2019-10-19 Morgan, South Australia

A few weeks ago we had a ride to Morgan and met some of our other OzSTOC members there for lunch. It was decided to meet in the park beside the Murray River which was where the terminal for old Adelaide to Morgan railway was placed.

From home to Morgan is about a two hour trip; maybe a little longer depending on how long we stop in Burra which is about halfway. Sometimes it's a brief rest stop and other times it's a meal

stop.

Route map https://goo.gl/maps/Et2JGwuuwBUgWj8bA

We were the first to arrive and with a little time to wait we had a quick look around and took a few pictures.

Tourist information centre located in one of the old rail buildings

Morgan used to also be a river port and I can only guess but I would say this was built as monument for those days and for the kids to play on.

The old paddle wheel steamer PS Canally is being restored

The old Morgan wharf.

There's also a small rail museum with some the rolling stock left in place.

One of the few ski boats on the river. This one is a skier recovery boat. The skier gets on the flat section in front of the motor and is taken back to shore or back to the boat they come from.

Looking across the river to the ferry. It's free and runs 24/7 and operated by the states highway department. One of members is on the ferry ramp; just right of the tree.

Our Honda ST1300A up front with the one behind arriving while we were taking pictures. Two different reds because they are made in different years.

Three more bikes arriving and they all came across on the ferry.

After the rest of our tribe arrived it was time to cross the park and find something to eat.

I think Fish and Chips was the most favoured meal of the day from the local cafe.

Sitting out side the cafe.

Looking across the park to all the bikes.

 Not long after lunch it was time for some to leave and before we left I took a few more pictures.

Near the park entrance is the remains an old turn table which was used to turn the steam engines around. Not so important these days as most diesel engines can be driven from either end.

The name of the park

Another view of the paddle wheel model plus one of the water towers used to fill the steam engine's water tank.

And a brick rail track as another monument to the past.

And the last of us are getting ready to leave. Total time away from home for us was nearly eight hours with half of that riding to and from.

17-08-2019 Cadell Ride.

This one of the few club rides were we didn't need to leave home to early; as if 9:00 am is anything but early.

Weather forecast people covered  themselves from rain to sunny skies just so the can take credit for getting something right. At home we had cloudy skies which cleared to a sunny day as we travelled to our destination 190 kilometres away.

Map link https://goo.gl/maps/1GuJopR3mf4ArcQA7

Our first stop was at Burra which is not quite the mid point for this ride and a chance for some breakfast and a nature stop.

Our bike parked across the road from the town hall before went to the local BP to get something to eat and drink.

The Burra creek reserve is next to the car park (behind me) in the above image and a couple of local residents seem to be admiring the view.

After our hunger had been satisfied it was back on the road again and plain sailing across to Morgan were we need to cross the River Murray by ferry.

Looking back from were we go onto the ferry and about halfway across.

On the ferry with a newer model of our Ford Territory in front.

Only about 15 minutes away from our destination as we got off the ferry but sometimes a good day can be upset a little because a little way up the road we needed to slow for an accident scene.

One of our club members had come off his bike while trying to avoid a flock of birds. He was okay with only bruises and maybe a dislocated finger. He remembers braking and a patch of gravel which possibly caused the bike to slide out from underneath him.

Caudo Winery is where went to and here are some images of the place.

This looks like the shop for their wine sales with the kitchen area up there as well.

 Looking back towards the car park from our table there are some assorted fruit art.

 

The winery has access from the river as well with a small wharf for tour boats.

with various other boats anchored along the river bank.

On the other side of the river is a sand bank which would be nice place to lay in the sun and get burnt.

We were at the end of a row of sheltered tables

I did manage to get a couple of the bikes before we all left.

Not often I get Heather next to the bike.

On the way home we had brief stops at Morgan and Burra and after stopping at our local supermarket we arrived home at about 5:00 pm.

05/05/2018 Glendambo South Australia

Not the best time of the day for me but for this ride but at 4am it was out of bed after an early 10pm bedtime.

On the road and still half asleep on our way over to our town's only ATM to get the needed start time on the transaction receipt. This was a ride where we needed to ride a minimum of 1000 km or 621 miles within 24 hours while needing to arrive at the destination and check in between 11:30 and midday local time (GMT + 9.5).

The outward bound journey was more about getting there on time stopping only for fuel, food and nature/rest  stops as needed. All was ok and we arrived at 11:20 but just looking at the pictures I took forgot to reset the camera time back an hour when our DST ended a few weeks ago.

The sun wasn't above the horizon at 6:50 am when I took this. The hills at this intersection are where the Yourumbulla caves are on the Quorn to Hawker Road.

We had an hour and a half of night riding before I took the photo and I lost count of the number of kangaroos I saw in that time. Luckily most just stood by the side of the road or hopped away into scrub. Sometimes one or more would jump across the road but nearer the end of the driving light range.

Our Honda ST1100A with some of the other bikes parked in Front of the Glendambo Pub

 

 

 

 

 

Before it got crowded inside I took some pictures.

Dining Room

A wool bale set up

I haven't seen one of these for almost a life time - Pianola

Our friend Pete just bought this one BMW R1200RT and on it's first long distance ride with the new owner.

The Glendambo Hotel. The location itself has a hotel, two roadhouses and staff housing.

We refuelled the bike at the BP roadhouse before leaving for the ride back home.

 

Because we don't travel up this way often I planned on a few stops for some pictures on the return trip. The highway which is part of the Adelaide to Darwin route passes between a few dried out salt lakes and some view/rest stops have been provided.

 

The first stop is Lake Hart which more tourist orientated with information about the area. For the night riding I need to do at times I would not to be without the driving lights that can be seen each side of the wind screen.

 

 

The next stop is at Island Lagoon North and an area that is quite similar to the Nullarbor Plain in that there are very few trees around.

 

 

The next stop is at Woomera where I went to have a look at the rocket park

 

 

 

 

After Woomera there is Island Lagoon South for a few more pictures. 

 

The Stuart Highway heading South and towards home.

 

The total ride distance for the day was 1026 km (from Sat Nav) with the next image showing the route from home to home. I went South At Port Augusta so as not to repeat the early morning ride.