Numerically, we had the usual turnout – 10 riders; the day looked surprisingly good considering the forecast of early showers and the wind picking up later. We were gathered at the Caltex Servo, Top of Taps. I wasn’t totally sure of the exact number, as we didn’t sign in as we normally do on these occasions. The older bikes outnumbered the newer ones, from memory: Bob Cole (Honda CX500), Phil Allen (1966 Norton), debutant Simon Scott (Yamaha FJ1100), David Saint (BMW R90S), Kim Miller (Yamaha XT500) and me (1967 Triumph T120R). Riding the moderns were: Graham Riley (Indian Scout), Lou Peilschmidt ( BMW R100GS), Tony Mitchell (Triumph Bonneville) and Wayne Williams (Yamaha XV650). Sorry if I missed anyone.
The nominated ride leader, Bob Cole, delegated me to initially lead the ride, because he was unsure of the best route to take to avoid the wind. Our destination was the bakery at Meadows, so we headed south down South Rd and turning off at Panalatinga Rd along Piggott Range Rd before winding downhill on Chandlers Hill/Clarendon Rds descending into Clarendon. I thought the first scheduled stop was too soon, so turning right at McLaren Flat Rd and through Kangarilla, we did a loop along Peters Creek Rd and through Kuitpo forest before re-joining the road to Meadows. We all sat inside the bakery and enjoyed pastries, pies and hot drinks.
I then returned my ride leader badge to our President, who led us down Bull Creek Rd and Alexandrina Rd through Currency Creek and then along the road behind Goolwa Airport to Middleton. We stopped at our usual bakery in Middleton, opposite the Tavern, and after a while the wind had picked up and the clouds were gathering. A handful of riders made their way home and another harboured a desire to look at the sea, so the rest of us rode down with him to the car park to look at the waves and chat.
The total distance door–to-door for me was 200 kilometres, it didn’t rain and we managed to avoid the strong winds – perfect!
Our next run is on Saturday September 1st when Club Captain, Alan Kernich should return and plans to ride to Birdwood. Meet at Civic Park, Modbury opposite Tea Tree Plaza shopping centre 9:30 for a 10am start.
Charles Oliver, Secretary.