In spite of wintery conditions once again, there was a much more enthusiastic turnout for the August Sunday club run to Mannum. Fifteen starters met at the Magill Foodland carpark for the 10 am start. In no particular order:-
Ross Edwards – 2007 Honda Blackbird
Graham Riley – 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan
Ed Lowrey – 1978 Triumph T140E 750
Kym Griffiths – Suzuki GSX 1400
Graig McDonald – Yamaha XJR 1300
Joel Yates – 2011 Harley FXDC 1600
Gary Priest – 1971 Honda CB750
Gail Priest – 2011 Harley
Ian Roddie – Yamaha FZ
Clayton Purley – 1994 FLSTC Harley 1340
Charles Oliver – 2015 Triumph 675
Tony Mitchell – 2001 Triumph Bonneville
Kym Miller – 2013 Triumph Bonneville
Colin Buckett – Harley S40 Boulevard
Alan Kernich – 1976 Triumph T140V 750
Sorry if I missed anyone; 3 historic bikes and plenty of cruisers.
A cold drizzly ride to Cudlee Creek via Norton Summit, Ashton, Lenswood, Lobethal, Gumeracha and Chain of Ponds. The long way round I know, but we are doing this for enjoyment – not efficiency! This section was uneventful apart from coming across a motorcyclist who had had a fall near Basket Range, leaving a puddle of oil on the apex of an already wet and slippery corner. Thankfully he was OK and was able to warn oncoming vehicles of the danger. Wayne Williams on his Yamaha met us at the Cudlee Creek Cafe which was as usual, welcoming and warm with hot coffee and snacks.
Following our short break it was off again via Chain of Ponds, Kersbrook, Birdwood, Mount Torrens, Tungkillo and on to the Pretoria Hotel at Mannum. A slight hiccup near Forreston but quickly rectified with a strategic U-turn. A few riders dropped out either by plan or due to incompatibility with the weather conditions. Thankfully the weather progressively cleared as we headed east, but is was still cold. Ah well – it is the middle of winter after all. The hotel was crowded, possibly due to the televised “Fight of the Century” and the following AFL Crows game. The dozen or so remaining troops enjoyed a good meal. Several more people went their own way after lunch. In order to get home in time for the previously mentioned football game perhaps?
The remaining five intrepid travellers then took the ferry across the Murray for a quick run down to Murray Bridge and then turned for home along the Old Mount Barker Road. A few more people peeled off at various convenient points along the way leaving only yours truly and one other to complete the full circuit back to our starting point via Littlehampton, Balhannah and Summertown. It was only after seeing the evening news that we learned of yet another bike fatality that afternoon, only a few kilometers from our route (it was actually a lot closer, Bald Hills Rd off the Blakiston roundabout which we went through. Ed.). A reminder to all – enjoy yourself but please ride safely!
Alan Kernich
Club Captain