Fred's Southern Run 2012

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Dear SABERS,
This year our actual opening ride was to the Rides Planning Day at Birdwood. The last two years this has been a ride to lunch at Wirrina Cove Resort. This year a change of venue was in order due to a mediocre performance from our hosts last year.

 

freds-rideThe official ride was on a beautiful (and hot) day. There were concerns before the start that we would cancel due to the forecast being over 35 for Sunday however that was only for Adelaide…34 was the warmest forecast for our route…so we went for it.

We had a good turnout for the start with more riders meeting us at Clarendon and some leaving along the way. First up Norton Summit Road to warm the tyres and then through our beautiful hills to Clarendon. Apparently my Vmax is blowing enough smoke on the trailing throttle down Snakes Gully Road to asphyxiate close followers…sorry. I hope it’s just a valve clearance adjustment or at worst worn valve guides. If it needs more than that…well maybe there is a 1500 kit coming on!

A leisurely break taking plenty of fluids and on to Kangarilla, McLaren Flat and into Mount Compass. Now I have a bigger tank no need to stop for fuel there so onto Pambula Road we went. Not so many pine cones on the road this year but the bitch in the box tried to confuse me by suggesting a turn left at Hindmarsh Tiers Road…I ignored her and turn right we did. She had another go at confusing me when we hit South Road…I reset her there and she behaved for the rest of the trip.

Lunch was at Yankalilla Bakery in its new larger premises…a bit warm inside but nice pastries never the less. Some riders peeled off here as well.

freds-rideOn to Normanville, Lady Bay and Delamere for fuel. A nice leg stretch followed from here through towards Victor Harbor. Then left back up the Hindmarsh Tiers Road and a reverse run on Pambula Road turning right before Mount Compass, through Ashbourne and Bull Creek to Meadows. By now we were mostly hot and bothered but no complaints…another safe and enjoyable ride.

Thanks to Tony & Heather for tail duties and everyone who marshalled.

Good day,
Fred