Category: On Two Wheels

Not quite an “off”

Not too long into our ride the guy immediately in front of me lost concentration while playing with his radio. This caused him to over-shoot a corner, run down a very steep 2m embankment, and bury his bike in the bush.

A few of us quickly parked and ran to his help. To his credit he’d managed to stay on his bike and maintain control (other than the original departure from the road that is). He only needed to be pulled out.

He certainly used up a life as I had to wait for a Landcruiser to pass before I parked the bike. 5s earlier and he may have become the Landcruiser’s hood ornament.

I’m sure the bike suffered only a few scratches, but the event did win him some “awards” in the evening.

His username on the forum was “Octane”. I think Steak had it changed to “Offroad” before we had a chance to get him back on the road.

The numbers build

Today was a quiet one. A gentle walk up the street for a nice coffee.

Then back to camp to greet the new arrivals who started streaming in. It’s nice to finally put a face to those I’ve been chatting to online.

The day was mostly spent wandering and admiring each others’ bike and the modifications they’ve done to it. There are a lot of things I’d like to do to mine but of course they all come at a price. From a new seat (my arse would really appreciate that) to new foot pegs, cruise control, & trailers.

At lunchtime I went for a short gentle ride back or to Victor Harbour with a few others for some photos and a coffee.

Then again to get one if my boots repaired as some of the stitching was unraveling.

All but 3 have turned up to the rally – the last will arrive early in the morning. We have not done a full count but it should be about 45 bikes we think.

Adelaide to Middleton

Rather than take the more direct 77km ride from Adelaide to Middleton on boring main roads I decided to take the scenic route via the Adelaide hills.

Heading south-east on the freeway just to exit the city, then beaching off at Stirling into the back roads.

First village was Aldgate and Mylor and then Echunga. This was a really picturesque twistie drive up and down the slopes with lots of leafy green growth overhanging the road.

From there I turned south-westerly where it opened up into farmland and through Meadows, Yankalilla (where I had a lovely steak, bacon, & cheese pie and coffee)…

…& then continued around the coastline to Victor Harbour and finally Middleton at about 3pm.

4,119 KMs since my departure from Perth I’d arrived! A bit saddle-sore, but in 1 piece.

There were already a few OzSToc members already there. So, it was a first-time meet ‘n greet followed by tent, washing, beer, & chicken schnitzel at the local.

While there will be many more arriving tomorrow, it was good to finally put faces to forum members.

Carruthers’

Derek and Julia have been long-time family friends of the Broadbents so I’ve known them since Ellie and I started seeing each other and they became Grace’s god parents when she was born.
Late last year they moved from Gooseberry Hill over to Adelaide to be closer to their own children and grand children. So I took the opportunity to stay with them for a night and see their new place in the southern suburbs of Adelaide.

It’s quite an old house circa 1930. Actually it’s also a corner store. Over the years is been a general store, deli, hairdresser, and a few others. They intend to visit their local historical society to learn more.

The shop it on the other side of the large brick wall to the left…

The interior of the “shop”… look at the light!