Rodent’s Nom Ride 23 October 12
Awoke to a very cold morning in our hotel in Hobart, Mount Wellington even had snow on it, but the sun was out and after two days of cold and wet condition getting to Hobart the expectation of a dry day encouraged us on. Today's jury was the ride to Port Arthur and then to get back to St Helen for our night lock. It was also to show Seebub some of Aussie history.
This was our East Coast travel day in Tassie.
The plan was to leave by 0800h but as Foxy said there was a bit of a mission creep and we were away by 0730h, ( I believe we were all a little energized by the sun;-) ). To the first fuel station and then off :-).. The best thing about Tassie roads? there are no shortage of winding bends and we weren't disappointed. With me leading on my soft tail, which by this stage of the trip needed a new back type! but I wasn't going to put a little handling problem between me and these roads. By the end of the day I thought I had put on a good showing of getting my Harley around all of the twists and curves and only scrapping my boards 27 times ;-)
Arrived Port Arthur by 0930h which gave us about 3 hours to tour of the prison, then back on the road to link up with Two Gears again at Sorell, before heading to St Helen where we were to meet up with Ball Bags on the road somewhere. Arrived back in Sorell at 1235h and meet up with two Gears again at the RSL. Refueled and headed north were we ended meet up with Ball Bags near Swansea. "Now there were 6 Patriot traveling together in Tassie :-)"
The day ended with two Gear heading back to Hobart to look after his new child. Dinner at the local RSL and we all sleep in Ball Bags lounge room next to his wood heater :-).
A fantastic day with friends and Tasmanian hospitality.
Rodent
Bumper’s Nom Ride - 14 October 12 details coming shortly
Jono’s Nom Ride 16 June 12
Well what an excellent day for a ride the sun was shining the cold was still around but that was alright, there was no rain for a change. We all gathered at the BP O'Haloran Hill eventually (Mucka). After some sad news about Hagars Dad ( we are all sorry Mate), we set off for Balhanna via Cherry Gardens, Stirling and Bridgewater. The ride was a little cold but the scenery more than made up for it. We had a great morning tea at Balhanna and we met up with Bumper. After Smoko we continued to Clarendon via Mt Barker and Meadows. All had a great day and Thanks to all for making my Nom run so enjoyable.
Cheers Jono!!!
Awoke to a very cold morning in our hotel in Hobart, Mount Wellington even had snow on it, but the sun was out and after two days of cold and wet condition getting to Hobart the expectation of a dry day encouraged us on. Today's jury was the ride to Port Arthur and then to get back to St Helen for our night lock. It was also to show Seebub some of Aussie history.
This was our East Coast travel day in Tassie.
The plan was to leave by 0800h but as Foxy said there was a bit of a mission creep and we were away by 0730h, ( I believe we were all a little energized by the sun;-) ). To the first fuel station and then off :-).. The best thing about Tassie roads? there are no shortage of winding bends and we weren't disappointed. With me leading on my soft tail, which by this stage of the trip needed a new back type! but I wasn't going to put a little handling problem between me and these roads. By the end of the day I thought I had put on a good showing of getting my Harley around all of the twists and curves and only scrapping my boards 27 times ;-)
Arrived Port Arthur by 0930h which gave us about 3 hours to tour of the prison, then back on the road to link up with Two Gears again at Sorell, before heading to St Helen where we were to meet up with Ball Bags on the road somewhere. Arrived back in Sorell at 1235h and meet up with two Gears again at the RSL. Refueled and headed north were we ended meet up with Ball Bags near Swansea. "Now there were 6 Patriot traveling together in Tassie :-)"
The day ended with two Gear heading back to Hobart to look after his new child. Dinner at the local RSL and we all sleep in Ball Bags lounge room next to his wood heater :-).
A fantastic day with friends and Tasmanian hospitality.
Rodent
Bumper’s Nom Ride - 14 October 12 details coming shortly
Jono’s Nom Ride 16 June 12
Well what an excellent day for a ride the sun was shining the cold was still around but that was alright, there was no rain for a change. We all gathered at the BP O'Haloran Hill eventually (Mucka). After some sad news about Hagars Dad ( we are all sorry Mate), we set off for Balhanna via Cherry Gardens, Stirling and Bridgewater. The ride was a little cold but the scenery more than made up for it. We had a great morning tea at Balhanna and we met up with Bumper. After Smoko we continued to Clarendon via Mt Barker and Meadows. All had a great day and Thanks to all for making my Nom run so enjoyable.
Cheers Jono!!!
Stevo’s Nom Ride 16 June 12
The crew after a feed at the Alma
Following a pub lunch at the
Alma Hotel we motored into Mojo’s place at Morphett Vale albeit an hour late.
Barely a sprinkle of rain during the ride turned into solid drizzle for the
rest of the day, leaving us grateful for having avoided it.
Seedub's Nom Ride 12 & 13 May 12
Seedub volunteered to do his Nom Run to Leigh Creek and return to coincide with the Coal Face Poker Run.
I would like to openly thank Seedub for providing not only accommodation, breakfast, call girls, and transport to and from the club rooms......joking about the call girls.......honestly.
We met up at the BP at Mile End with Mojo and Robyn, Horse, Seedub and Ruddy and took off to Bolivar to meet up with Mucka and our Adelaide brothers.
0930h we were on the road and picked up Hemmy at Tarlee, dropped Horse off at the same time and headed to Burra.
Road side rest up
To say the weather turned is an understatement so everyone was diving into their saddlebags for extra warm/wet weather gear and we stopped again in Peterbourgh to thaw out, eat lunch and partake of some fluids at the pub.
We stopped again in Hawker for fuel.....some numpty forgot to pay for their fuel cause he was gas bagging too much.....that's right it was me.
Stopped again at Parrachilla for refreshments and a photo op and made friends with 44,000,000 flies......they were bloody everywhere, then off to Leigh Creek to the Desert Rider's club room over 550 kms for a piss up......pretty impressive.
Seedub and the Vice Prez
A highlight of the trip was Adelaide's Ned Kelly entrance to the club room....picture this, riding in off the main road on a very dodgy dirt track I notice a sign "Caution Bull Dust" and see a plume of bull dust rising into the air, yep, Ned went down and stayed down, their was hushed silence then cheers and laughter from the mob watching on.......when Ned and his bike was assisted to the upright position.
We all went back to our accommodation to drop our bikes off and were transported back to the club room by Seedub and a shuttle bus.
There was good food, heaps of alcohol, a band, fireworks.....illegal! strange smelling stuff was wafting around the place.....made me hungry......anyway we went back to the Tavern in town around 2230h.
The Prarie Hotel
More responsible drinking.....anyway Mucka, SP and me decided to try to find our lodgings.....not an easy task when your 3 parts pissed...after about half an hour for a five minute trip we were banging on the door waking up Mojo to let us in.
Ended up watching some weird SBS movie and then hit the sack.....a special mention goes to Mucka who managed to clear the bedroom with his snoring......thankfully the couch was comfy.
Seedub came through again with eggs and bacon and lots of coffee for breakfast then we refueled and departed around 1000h.
More excitement when Seedub hit a large Emu, he managed to stay upright but the Emu had a broken leg and was writhing around in the middle of the road which caused a few problems for those following but a thoughtful trucky following way too close behind us swerved and put it out of its misery.
Chewin' the fat
We went through Pt Pirie and Pt Wakefield where we met up with Adelaide guys again and said farewell.
When I put the bike in the shed I had clocked up 1150 plus Kms for weekend.....well done Seedub that was the Nom Run from Hell.....in a good way!
Cheers
Ruddy
PA SDC #1087
Black Dog Ride 29 Apr 12
The Black Dog Ride is a fund raiser in support of Anxiety, Depression and Suicide and was attended by Mojo and Robyn, Mucka and me.
This particular one day ride was from Willunga to Clare via Hahndorf, Kupunda and a few other undas!
The Prez and Robyn
We registered and got our Winston's, fluffy black dog, the intent was to break the record for the most black dogs on bikes......still don't know how we did.
At 1000h we lined the bikes up in the main street of Willunga for a photo op and Channel 7 had some good footage of us on Sunday nights news......thought I looked pretty cool.....pity you couldn't see my face......maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.
There was footage from the 7 chopper along the way, the number of bikes was impressive as there would have been around 100 which wasn't bad at $35.00 a pop.
The weather in the hills was coolish and the roads were wet but once we got past Handorf it warmed up and my hands thawed out......fingerless gloves not my best decision.
Stopped at Nuri for a brew, got in the wrong line, they ran out of milk, but eventually we got free cookies cause it took forever......a win in the end.
Robyn, the Prez and Vice Prez
Arrived at Clare at 1400h had snags and bread, had a bit of a jibber to other riders and departed around 1500h.
The trip home was a darn sight quicker, but legalish, and we said our goodbyes after quite a long day in the saddle.
Cheers
Ruddy
PA SDC #1087
Lascelles 14 & 15 Apr 12
Well.....what a top run!
What started out as an unsure affair for me turned into exactly what I thought it'd be....good times!
The unsure thing was due to my dodgy back tyre.
With the minimum of tread in the beginning, I wasn't that confident I could make it the close to 1,000k's to Lascelles and back. So I started out with the intention of meeting up with the SDC crew at the toll gate, before riding on to Tailem Bend to hook up with Adelaide. I arrived to meet most punters there already and started explaining my case.
There wasn't much push back from our guys, but I think they were secretly mumbling shit under there breath....which is expected given as Road Captain you ensure members understand the importance of pre-ride checks and overall good bike maintenance before attending any ride. But here I was, undermining my own advice.
SDC meeting up at the Toll Gate
And before departing, the Prez made a special trip to catch up with us to patch up Horse.
Nice work Horse, it's good to have you on board mate!
So after all the we headed for Tailem...led by our newest member. I got the entire trip on video which which is available if you're interested...although it was pretty non eventful.
Tailem Bend, and the united SA chapters
The RV with Adelaide at Tailem....which after meeting up With Jase, the Adelaide Prez, a long discussion and lots of opinion gathering over the state of my tyre resulted in me being left no choice, there's no turning back here I'm in it to Lascelles...and hopefully home again?
Off we went...a few stops on the way, a few worried looks at the further wear on my existing tread....then into Lascelles. It was a pretty good days riding, the weather was perfect and the roads were in good shape with minimal slow traffic when the option of clear passage past was nothing to worry about.
The night itself was, as I heard about the next morning...pretty blood good.
With some good interaction with the locals, who would appear to enjoy having us in town for the weekend.
Horse managed to get on so well with the publican that he welcomed him behind the bar to help out. Apparently things got that messy with the locals they were clambering on top of each other to pin their durps to the ceiling!
I should clear up where I'm coming from with all these 'as I was told's'.
Me, last years stayer, found myself hitting a brick wall after only 6 or so hours on the juice...and a bloody big T-bone. It finished me! Normally after a few beers and a huge feed I struggle to keep it up. Last years key was going without I think....that plus the massive gravy jug full of bear and Tequila I was challenged to drink.
Hats off this time round definitely go to Horse...who had to stay on a bit longer than the rest of us to sober up enough to make safe passage home.
Other highlights I did manage to witness was Weiry starting the burn out fun. Followed by Road Kill from Melbourne (maybe should have pointed out eralier but the intention of the trip was to catch up with our Melbourne brothers primarily, in a mutual location) riding his bike into the bar and leaving a nice big layer of rubber on the pubs wooden deck floor. It was gold!
Turns out the publican was that impressed he is considering sealing it so it remains forever!
Anyway, we all made it home safe, the tyre held up just and we're all looking forward to another trip to Lascelles.
I'll be posting some videos on Youtube which I captured both in motion during the ride and some of the drunken 'yee hah' at the pub.
So standby and I'll let you know when it's sorted.
Diesel
SDC-SA
Road Captain
Hagar's Nom Ride 18 Mar 12
Hagar's Nom run started at Woodcroft shops with the forecast promising 28 degrees and the eight starters were all eager for a great ride.
There were the usual suspects Mojo, Mucka, Stevo, Hagar, Horse and me with a couple of guys that came to see what SDC is all about.....Johno and Steve.
All those present (excluding Horse who's busy here driving the camera)
The first leg to Wistow was via Echuca.....I mean Echunga although we could have gone through Echuca and I may have missed it.
Well after all these years riding past Wistow without stopping I finally know why I have never stopped there......I reckon we had the first coffee they ever made, complete with upside lids and 15 year old Caterers Blend. I am pretty sure a Cherry Ripe is not meant to be white either......I think eight people in the shop at once may have freaked them out.
Wistow to Millang was a fast flowing ride and was very enjoyable and we arrived at the pub around 1220h and had a quenching drink and a hearty meal.
Milang
We went across the road to the park where Mojo patched up Hagar, we had a GM, and welcomed the two new guys officially.
Lunch
Millang to Srathalbyn was an interesting ride where a cap was found on the road, a Kamakaze bird hit Ruddy's bike resulting in Steve who was following getting a face full of feathers but we all eventually met up at the Garage. We had a brew and a look at bikes then decided it was it time to head home.
There is a reason we have ride captains.........however Mojo decided to lead us back to the Tollgate via a couple of detours......there were U turns and where the f**k are we going......but it was all good in the end and we parted ways at the Tollgate after another excellent day spent with our brothers.
Cheers
Ruddy
PA SDC #1087
Unofficial Ride 12 Feb 12
The SDC AGM started off with a brief RV at Mile End to pick up the long haul starters before heading out to Bolivar to collect the remaining few and onto the DZ to conduct business.
Horse, Ruddy & Hagar at Mile End
Some of the arrival crew
After arriving safely and clipboards were opened it was time for a barbie lunch and a shot of Eddie's preferred schnapps to celebrate the significant event in SDC's history.
Proceedings
All discussion topics have been distributed by other means.
Here's hoping the next year will be as much fun as the last!
Cheers,
Diesel
Unofficial Ride 12 Feb 12
The word went out there was to be an unofficial run on 12 Feb 12 to nowhere in particular and I'll be stuffed we had a roll up of 6 bikes and one partner, not bad for an adhoc run.
Well we nearly all got to the start, (Servo at the Tollgate), Seedub and partner decided to do the SF thing and hide from us, but we sprung them and we all headed towards Strathalbyn via Eagle on the Hill, through Crafers, Echunga the scenic but fun route......overall other than being coolish through the hills it was a brisk fun run.
During our stop at the Strath corner bakery and I overheard Hagar saying to Mucka that his bike should be called the "Swallow" due to the amount of wallow it has..... Hagar was following Mucka on a sports/tourer. I am just reporting the facts not bagging HDs.
Anyway we ate, drank and pulled this piss out of each other and then decided to head to Hahndorf via Callington and old Princess Hwy.
Arrived at Ottos Bakery at Hahndorf to see many smiling faces, not quite as twisty this leg with some nice sweepers, photo of the bikes and those that turned up. Mucka, Pop, Seedub and Partner, Hagar, Horse and me.
Anyway all agreed the morning ride was better than being beaten to death with a soggy cat so I would call it a success, sorry cat lovers.
Cheers, Ruddy
The turn out!
Well we nearly all got to the start, (Servo at the Tollgate), Seedub and partner decided to do the SF thing and hide from us, but we sprung them and we all headed towards Strathalbyn via Eagle on the Hill, through Crafers, Echunga the scenic but fun route......overall other than being coolish through the hills it was a brisk fun run.
During our stop at the Strath corner bakery and I overheard Hagar saying to Mucka that his bike should be called the "Swallow" due to the amount of wallow it has..... Hagar was following Mucka on a sports/tourer. I am just reporting the facts not bagging HDs.
Anyway we ate, drank and pulled this piss out of each other and then decided to head to Hahndorf via Callington and old Princess Hwy.
Arrived at Ottos Bakery at Hahndorf to see many smiling faces, not quite as twisty this leg with some nice sweepers, photo of the bikes and those that turned up. Mucka, Pop, Seedub and Partner, Hagar, Horse and me.
Anyway all agreed the morning ride was better than being beaten to death with a soggy cat so I would call it a success, sorry cat lovers.
Cheers, Ruddy
Redbacks MC Sedan Rally (04/02/12)
Our commonly annual run to Sedan for the Redback Tourers Rally was a little unique this time around as we joined in with a few local clubs to make the trek to the north east.
Originally I had planned to deliver the SDC to Hemmy up at Smithfield where we were to join in with the Adelaide crew for a joint roll across and down into Sedan to check out this years Sedan Rally offerings, but due to an expected low attendance I instead chose to meet up with a few southern area mates of mine for the transit over, providing the ideal opportunity to mingle with other local clubs and the biker fraternity as a whole
After meeting up with those who did make it out at the Mile End BP, we motored over to Hope Valley for an RV with the BOC's. Their club name is an abbreviation, just like SDC etc. but where as ours stands for Southern District Chapter, theirs is for Bunch Of......so & so's...would probably be more appropriate here, but use your imagination to fill the gaps!
All up including them, there was around 10 of us (after picking up another 2 at Birdwood), we then rolled on to Mt Pleasant and caught up with the Southerner's, around 25-30 of them, another club based south.
Us Patriots didn't hang around there too long as none of us ordered a counter meal lunch and began to get itchy feet, so we saddled up and made our own into Sedan.
I must day the stretch from Mt Pleasant into Sedan was a bit of fun. The right mix of tight rollers and sweeping bends....awesome fun!
We arrived at the Sedan oval which was a different location to recent years, I think the event has outgrown the Pub so instead they host it at the footy oval to accommodate the ever growing crowd.
The usual shit was on offer....booze, food, music, show & shine...raffles.
They do a good job the RedBacks and put on a good event for the biker community from all tastes to enjoy.
I made an effort to seek out Adelaide as soon as I arrived and after an unmissable red patch radiated in the distance and caught my idea, I soon located our brothers off in the distance. I went over and said g'day and soon after Seedub and Horse were in the mix and we were all talking shit just as you'd expect. It was a great Patriot moment!
After a bit of a stay we geared up and headed home with a few of the Southerner's and a couple of Boc's, but soon after they were a glimpse in the distance and making an effort to stick (roughly) to the speed limit we lost 'em.
But that made for a better trip home anyway's, we coasted along down through Birdwood, Woodside, then the freeway at Hahndorf.
We cruised down into Adelaide where we departed and made our solo journeys home from there. It was a good day with some top riding!
So until next run, safe lines to all.
Diesel
SDC-SA
Road Captain
VVMC Australia Day Run (29/01/12)
SDC Patriots and a Cairns Chapter 'ring in', with Rowdy and a few others during our visit to VVMC Mid Nth Chapter Clubhouse
Rowdy invited PA SDC to visit the clubroom of the VVMC Mid Nth Chapter, out near One Tree Hill, on 29 Jan 12 and of course we were there.
The day started with Mojo and Ruddy heading to Outer Harbour to pick up "Gold Fish" a brother from Cairns chapter.
This was was not simple task as we had no idea there were that many places they could park a boat....sorry ex Army.
Eventually we found Gold Fish, after several phone calls, and Ruddy threw him on the back and we were off to the Old Spot Pub to meet with Rowdy and the rest of the boys.
We arrived only 20 minutes late to be greeted by "what do you call this" and and watch pointing, but shit happens!
So at this point we had Rowdy and his Grandson, Mojo, Mucka, Spt Dave and Partner, Gold Fish, SP from Adelaide, and me so we bugged out to the clubhouse ASAP.
What an excellent setup, bar, big TV, did I mention bar and the VVMC blokes made us feel right at home and invited us back to any of their shows.
They did mention they had 450 there for Australia Day this year and hope to make it bigger next year....might be one to put in the calendar.
I won't mention the VVMC blokes names and appointments because I will probably F**k them up, but as your will see in the picture from the visit we all enjoyed each others company and any attitudes are required to be left at home.
Most of the SDC left mid afternoon but I have a feeling.....We'll be back!
Cheers Ruddy
VVMC Australia Day Run (26/01/12)
We arrived well in advance.
It was around 1015 with a scheduled commencement set for 1100, so Mucka, Hagar and myself went for a wander into the club rooms to buy ourselves a beer!
We were shortly mobile, south along the express way, then Main South Road into Myponga, then finally across to Mt Compass. The stretch along past Sellicks Beach up there high on the hills was a bit hairy I have to say. The cross winds were really bad, not only were you struggling to keep a straight line and prepare yourself for the next buffeting from an unpredictable direction, but you could see riders ahead battling their own similar war.
It was a topic discussed in all circles a little later on once at the tavern.
Victor Harbor (22/01/12)
Our commonly annual run to Sedan for the Redback Tourers Rally was a little unique this time around as we joined in with a few local clubs to make the trek to the north east.
Originally I had planned to deliver the SDC to Hemmy up at Smithfield where we were to join in with the Adelaide crew for a joint roll across and down into Sedan to check out this years Sedan Rally offerings, but due to an expected low attendance I instead chose to meet up with a few southern area mates of mine for the transit over, providing the ideal opportunity to mingle with other local clubs and the biker fraternity as a whole
After meeting up with those who did make it out at the Mile End BP, we motored over to Hope Valley for an RV with the BOC's. Their club name is an abbreviation, just like SDC etc. but where as ours stands for Southern District Chapter, theirs is for Bunch Of......so & so's...would probably be more appropriate here, but use your imagination to fill the gaps!
All up including them, there was around 10 of us (after picking up another 2 at Birdwood), we then rolled on to Mt Pleasant and caught up with the Southerner's, around 25-30 of them, another club based south.
Some of the group at Mt Pleasant
Horse and Seedub
Seedub and me
I must day the stretch from Mt Pleasant into Sedan was a bit of fun. The right mix of tight rollers and sweeping bends....awesome fun!
We arrived at the Sedan oval which was a different location to recent years, I think the event has outgrown the Pub so instead they host it at the footy oval to accommodate the ever growing crowd.
The usual shit was on offer....booze, food, music, show & shine...raffles.
They do a good job the RedBacks and put on a good event for the biker community from all tastes to enjoy.
I made an effort to seek out Adelaide as soon as I arrived and after an unmissable red patch radiated in the distance and caught my idea, I soon located our brothers off in the distance. I went over and said g'day and soon after Seedub and Horse were in the mix and we were all talking shit just as you'd expect. It was a great Patriot moment!
Seedub, Hemmy, Zerbe and Horse talking up the show & shine
My old mate Thommo from the BOC's nursing a suspected broken leg after coming off his Harley FXD, Luckily nothing was broken in the end, except for his bike and his pride he told me!
After a bit of a stay we geared up and headed home with a few of the Southerner's and a couple of Boc's, but soon after they were a glimpse in the distance and making an effort to stick (roughly) to the speed limit we lost 'em.
But that made for a better trip home anyway's, we coasted along down through Birdwood, Woodside, then the freeway at Hahndorf.
We cruised down into Adelaide where we departed and made our solo journeys home from there. It was a good day with some top riding!
So until next run, safe lines to all.
Diesel
SDC-SA
Road Captain
VVMC Australia Day Run (29/01/12)
Rowdy invited PA SDC to visit the clubroom of the VVMC Mid Nth Chapter, out near One Tree Hill, on 29 Jan 12 and of course we were there.
The day started with Mojo and Ruddy heading to Outer Harbour to pick up "Gold Fish" a brother from Cairns chapter.
This was was not simple task as we had no idea there were that many places they could park a boat....sorry ex Army.
Eventually we found Gold Fish, after several phone calls, and Ruddy threw him on the back and we were off to the Old Spot Pub to meet with Rowdy and the rest of the boys.
We arrived only 20 minutes late to be greeted by "what do you call this" and and watch pointing, but shit happens!
So at this point we had Rowdy and his Grandson, Mojo, Mucka, Spt Dave and Partner, Gold Fish, SP from Adelaide, and me so we bugged out to the clubhouse ASAP.
What an excellent setup, bar, big TV, did I mention bar and the VVMC blokes made us feel right at home and invited us back to any of their shows.
They did mention they had 450 there for Australia Day this year and hope to make it bigger next year....might be one to put in the calendar.
I won't mention the VVMC blokes names and appointments because I will probably F**k them up, but as your will see in the picture from the visit we all enjoyed each others company and any attitudes are required to be left at home.
Most of the SDC left mid afternoon but I have a feeling.....We'll be back!
Cheers Ruddy
VVMC Australia Day Run (26/01/12)
After a stop at the designated RV and all SDC presence was assembled, it was down to the VVMC club house to await the start of daily proceedings.
Mucka and Hagar getting to know each other
(Hagar on his maiden run with SDC)
We arrived well in advance.
It was around 1015 with a scheduled commencement set for 1100, so Mucka, Hagar and myself went for a wander into the club rooms to buy ourselves a beer!
Shortly after our Adelaide counterparts roared into the muster yard to join us, as well as the many other clubs and riders present. We said our hello’s and ‘shot the shit’ until hearing the ride brief delivered by the VVMC Road Captain.
Mucka, with Zerbe and Kymbo overseeing lead up events
We were on our way to Mt Compass as first port of call, where we were to stop briefly for a drink, then onto Macclesfield for lunch and finally back to their clubrooms to wash up the day’s events.
All present began mounting and firing up their rides in readiness to roll out and get stuck into things proper!
There was probably 100 bikes, a significantly less number than the previous year. But on the upside you could expect the ride to be a little faster and somewhat smoother given the reduced coordination efforts required.....although all things easy were to change during the last stretch into the Mt Compass Tavern.
The view over my bars waiting for the lead riders, already cued up out on the street and around the bend to snake off and get moving
We were shortly mobile, south along the express way, then Main South Road into Myponga, then finally across to Mt Compass. The stretch along past Sellicks Beach up there high on the hills was a bit hairy I have to say. The cross winds were really bad, not only were you struggling to keep a straight line and prepare yourself for the next buffeting from an unpredictable direction, but you could see riders ahead battling their own similar war.
It was a topic discussed in all circles a little later on once at the tavern.
Anyway, the entry into Mt Compass was a frustratingly slow one. It was bumper to bumper for around the last 5k’s due to a bingle just outside town on the other side. But thankfully the lead rider used the most of the emergency lane and we all safely scooted around the outside.
After a drink it was back on the road and onto Macclesfield.
A view of just some of the bikes at the Mt Compass Tavern
The main group forming up to make their way onto Macclesfield
At this point however, it was unanimous between Patriots that we would break away and head to somewhere a little less populated and where you wouldn’t struggle so much ordering a feed.
So it was onto Ashbourne for a counter lunch at the Green Man Inn.
It was fairly empty when we arrived so our lunch orders were processed quickly. It was perfect timing as pretty much straight after that the place began to fill up. A few other bike groups rolling in also.
The bikes sitting in a nice shady area of the Green Man Inn whilst we filled our faces
Adelaide's Zerbe, Phil, Big Jase and Hemmy
Including myself driving the camera, this was the Patriot turn out for Australia day
We smashed down our lunch and discussed the last leg home and what others plans were for the remainder of Ozzie Day.
Personally, I had promised to make it home with enough time to cook a roast pork over some charcoal heat beads, spit style whilst enjoying some (actually lots of) cold beers with my old lady, so from here I was making my way directly home. Some of the other lads had similar commitments, whilst I did overhear a discussion about convening further at Jase’s....and something also to do with bottles of JD. Not sure if that eventuated...or how it may have ended up if it did!!!
It was good to catch up with all those that made it there.
And it was fantastic once again to have met up with the crew from Adelaide.
And it was fantastic once again to have met up with the crew from Adelaide.
It was also nice to have met Hagar, hopefully we’ll be seeing some more of you moving forward mate.
I’m confident everyone enjoyed themselves and once inland away from that crosswind enjoyed the riding tremendously.
All the best,
Diesel
SDC-SA
Road Captain
All the best,
Diesel
SDC-SA
Road Captain
Victor Harbor (22/01/12)
So after all were accounted for and the ride brief was given, we saddled up and headed to our first stop for the day.
The lined up bikes.....just like I said!
Our first destination was to check in on our old mate Maddo!
Unfortunately we don’t get to see enough of Maddo because the poor bugger’s generally working most days the chapter gets together, so I thought in the interest of maintaining regular group contact that if he couldn’t come to us, then we’d go to him. We rolled up to the Port Stanvac Oil Refinery guard house and were greeted by the man himself, who ushered into a side car park where we could all dismount.
After a brief catch up I could see the pressure relief valve on most peoples head nearing blow off point due to this bloody hot day we had unpredictably chosen to conduct our inaugural 2012 ride. It was somewhere over the 35 degree mark so in the interest of preventing a meltdown I gave the signal to mount up to get the airflow cooling factor happening again.
We farewelled Maddo and headed over to Main South Road to continue our journey onwards down to Victor.
I had planned to pick up Walshy from the Adelaide chapter on the way through Willunga Hill, but a text message from me before leaving Stanvac to suggest we may be a little later than planned led to Walshy ducking home for a cuppa to kill the time. Unfortunately we missed each other as a result, which then of course led poor old Ruddy, the worded up sweep rider who was planning to integrate Walshy into the pack as we passed by totally confused….and although it wasn’t mentioned, probably cursing me thinking I’d stuffed up the RV.
Anyway, all was repaired when we arrived at Victor with a quick call to Walshy who then rode on down to join us all in town for counter meal lunch washed down with various cool liquids.You could feel the temperature drop instantly by about 5 degrees or so once we began our descent into Victor which made for a welcomed, yet brief change I might add.
It was also a nice surprise to see our brother in Seedub there waiting to greet us. I think Seedub holds the mantle for being the furthest residing member of SDC, which as a result can limit his attendance at times, but you’ve gotta hand it to him, he’ll make every effort to be there and show his support. He’d been in Adelaide and knew we were heading to Victor so he came on down with the family to say hello.
Good on you Seedub!
The Prez, Seedub, the old ladies and Seedub's young tackers chowing down
The crew enjoying their lunch
Pop
Ruddy
The Treasurer!
That'd have to cost you a carton Mucka I reckon? Taking your vest off to connoisseur your battered fish?
Horse
Yours truly
The line up in Victor
Now....you'd think that as a military club, the one thing we should at least be able to better than any other is to dress off smartly!
This was Ruddy and Hemmy's attempt?
After a bite to eat and a quick SDC GM, we were back on the road heading east towards Goolwa. Once out of town and now heading north-east with our backs to the sea, you could feel the temperature beginning to rise as you’d expect once inland a little. It continued until we had that fan forced oven feeling directly in our faces and although they’d only predicted a top temperature of 35, I was convinced it would have been closer to 40 at several points along the way.
So on through Strath (which I found out later was where we lost Horse and Ruddy), Macclesfield, Echunga then into Hahndorf for a quick beer and an opportunity to talk a little shit before bidding each other farewell and dispersing in multiple directions. A few of us heading straight down the freeway and into Adelaide, whilst others cut through the hills.
Us....talking shit!
The line up in Hahndorf, with my money pit in the foreground
Thankfully on the way out of Hahndorf I spotted this familiar face crossing the road….it was Ruddy.
He managed to safely get Horse into town and after a bit of phone tennis with us trying to locate each other’s whereabouts had given up and was about to saddle up and move on.
It was good to see they had made it there ok, as well as giving most of us the chance to say goodbye proper!
Thanks also to Horse for making the effort to come along, meet our chapter members and suss out the club. Hopefully we impressed upon him and we could look forward to seeing him sprouting a Southern Districts Chapter rocker and a Nominee patch aboard his new vest.
So in closing, it was in my opinion a fantastic day all round, but the biggest highlight must have been the large presence from both chapters. Well done to the Adelaide crew for making themselves available to join in and well done to their Road Captain Hemmy for coordinating their presence and keeping everyone informed.
Followed closely second was the sight of the SDC & Adelaide Prez’s in my side mirrors. Although Mojo would have looked much better on top a new Fat Boy, Softy or anything brandishing the HD logo :-)
But that aside, here’s hoping you get some reliable mileage out of the Trumpy mate!
Until next entry, safe lines to all and I’ll catch you on the flip side!
Diesel
SDC-SA
Road Captain
First Official SDC Run
Lascelles 2011
Lascelles 2011
Lascelles is a small town in western Victoria which comes to life once a year when PA chapters from Melbourne and South Australia descend on the Pub to boost its profits.
At 0730hrs on Sat 5 Mar 11 nine bikes and a car,(Deisel's car!) departed from the Toll Gate heading towards Tailem Bend. I could comment about the reliability of an American brand of motorcycle but that could be considered petty.
Anyway the run went to plan via Tailem Bend, Pinnaroo and Ouyen, where we said adios to Pop as he left us to visit his folks, and we arrived at Lascelles in the early afternoon just prior to the Melbourne chapter. On arrival we had the option of hotel rooms or roughing it in the camp ground, the hard nuts Mucka, Rowdy, KP and I did it tough while others elected the majestic suites of the Pub. I seem to remember meeting Morgz (Nat Sec), then Stevo, Melbourne President, patching up someone followed by a round of tequila, Diesel refusing to get off the bloody mechanical bull, Mucka had his wobbly boots on early and was the first casualty, and there was a bright green girl not the prettiest thing; maybe it was an elf, not really sure as my new medication and a couple of JBs had me in search of my farter. Those of us that had opted for the camp ground had the last laugh as the juke box was still pumping it out until around 0400h, thankfully I had earplugs.
The morning routine consisted of a head count and a search for Diesel, some say he had the local Mr Plod in a headlock at one point during the festivities but had done the chapter proud with his apparent immunity to the effects of alcohol. The Melbourne chapter cooked up eggs and bacon and lots of coffee, there was the obligatory pictures and farewells and then we were on our way to RV with Pop at Ouyen.
The journey home was reasonably uneventful except for a small detour to the Tank Cemetery near Murrayville, needless to say Mojo was beside himself, but he put that behind him along with the entire chapter and we reached Pinnaroo in near record time. Several of us were doing it tough but we all soldiered on, through the waves of Kamikaze insects, and we said our farewells at Tailem Bend around 1330h.
This was the first official run of the Southern Districts Chapter since becoming a probationary chapter of PA on 15 Feb 11 and so I think it only fitting that a nominal roll is included of those that were lucky enough to form part of this chapter’s history.
Southern Districts Chapter members were Mojo (President) and Robin, Ruddy (VP), Rowdy (Secretary), KP (Treasurer), Hemmy, Mucka, Pop and Diesel . The Adelaide Chapter was represented by SP.
Ruddy
Road Captain
Ruddy's Nom Run
Victor Harbour 2010
As the weather had been fairly crappy the run was organised as a spur of the moment thing, and as Ruddy was already prepared for his 'Nom Run' we decided today was as good as any!! The meeting place was Mojo's place at 0930hrs. I picked up Ruddy and after the mandatory brew we headed to the start point at Mojo's.
Following the normal greetings and a bit of a chin wag etc, Ruddy gave a brief on the route to our destination ...... Victor Harbour. Other than going up a dead end street at the start we had an uneventful but enjoyable cruise to Victor.
On arrival we found a park and sought out the closest pub for a couple of coldies and some lunch. Following lunch, being our first run, we discussed options for future runs and activities down the track. As a few of us had different drop off points on the way home we said our good byes prior to departure and headed home.
We all enjoyed the run and agree that we can only go on to bigger and better things from here on in.
KP
Ruddy's Nom Run
Victor Harbour 2010
As the weather had been fairly crappy the run was organised as a spur of the moment thing, and as Ruddy was already prepared for his 'Nom Run' we decided today was as good as any!! The meeting place was Mojo's place at 0930hrs. I picked up Ruddy and after the mandatory brew we headed to the start point at Mojo's.
Following the normal greetings and a bit of a chin wag etc, Ruddy gave a brief on the route to our destination ...... Victor Harbour. Other than going up a dead end street at the start we had an uneventful but enjoyable cruise to Victor.
On arrival we found a park and sought out the closest pub for a couple of coldies and some lunch. Following lunch, being our first run, we discussed options for future runs and activities down the track. As a few of us had different drop off points on the way home we said our good byes prior to departure and headed home.
We all enjoyed the run and agree that we can only go on to bigger and better things from here on in.
KP
