Nine bikes with two pillions were just about to take the ride briefing at the Caltex on top of O'Halloran Hill when you can "guess who" rolled up..!?!?!
So with ten bikes we headed off into an absolutely beautiful day. Still nice and green up through Chandlers Hill with great views before heading down via Clarendon to Meadows and taking the Paris Creek Road (for a change) to Strathalbyn.
At Garage Motorcycles a large group of visitors were already waiting for us...about six bikes with one pillion signed on for the run through to Kersbrook. We had about an hour and a half here at Mary-Lou's place...good coffee and a nice range of European marques plus the new Buell’s on offer. Top of the price billing today was a Bimota...$52.9k. "Guess who" bought some new boots and scored free coffees for himself, Sue and I...coo! "Mr & Mrs Strath" showed off their new Californian...very, very nice although Carol still has the jury out about comfort on the pillion seat. They were unable to join us for the ride due to Paul's CFS training commitments.
After a safety & riding etiquette briefing for the visitors we moved off through the busy Saturday morning bustle in Strathalbyn via Woodchester to Callington where Heather waved to us from her balcony view. The countryside was just glorious all round. We took the Old Princess Highway to Dawesley, right turn through to Brukunga, past Inverbrackie and skirted around Woodside, through Charleston to Mount Torrens. A little after Mount Torrens left under the lovely old railway bridge, along the very picturesque Burfords Hill Road to Gumeracha. Then trough Forreston, left on another nice but bumpy Norsworthy Road to Kersbrook.
At the Kersbrook Tavern we had a filling lunch. Good conversation amongst ourselves and with our large contingent of visitors stretched out long enough that we all headed for home our separate ways. Trevor guided Mark, Sue and me back through Cudlee Creek, along Fox Creek Road to Lenswood and then Uraidla and Greenhill Road (more awesome views) down to the suburbs.
Fabulous day to be out on the bike! Thanks to our hosts at the tavern. Thank you to all riders for marshalling on corners, a safe ride and special thanks to Tony for bringing up the rear.
Fred