A few photos.
AJ, it's good that you can express your thoughts so well.
45 min wait at Swan reach killed it early, then after an unorganised departure from Tailem Bend, (sorry I missed you SPOOK) we jumped the queue by using the Jervios ferry only to wait another 45 mins to re group again.
Colstah and I left the pack after 10 mins so someone could put fuel in (Not Me). If Graz had not just spent his money joining in at TB, I reckon we would have pulled out at Strath. Good lunch and good company on the way back.
Glad you took some shots, Graz, I thought with the official photographer (that's Linda, isn't it?) missing out because her selfish husband had to 'work' instead, there wasn't going to be anything.... It was pretty much what you might expect from a charity type thing, and I must agree with AJ, it did seem a bit like everyone was after money. But all good, I suppose, and the organisers did say they would avoid the ferries on the next one, and that the run had turned out bigger than ever, so perhaps it caught them by surprise. About 230 bikes I think they said and I reckon we did about 300 odd k's not including getting to and from the start and end points. GT had the longest run I expect, what time did you get home, Mate? I enjoyed the company, even if the run itself was a bit ordinary. And it could have been worse, I sideswiped a roo on the way to Tanunda, but neither it or I were were harmed in the making.... and had a bee tuck down the side of my helmet and start crawling towards my ear, so I had to stop and get it out. How do those things hit you at 120 kph and still keep moving??
And i did get one shot, after about thirty minutes waiting at the first ferry, it occurred to me to take a camera piccy!!
The Black Dog ride from Tanunda was a great day out with perfect weather and good company. The organisation left a little to be desired, including TWO ferry crossings and running one big group of riders. I was sad for all of the people who supported the ride feeding and watering us as we were well off schedule. The fundraising would also have suffered since so many left the group midway (I was one).Had to feel sorry for the ute driver who left Golden Grove to test drive a new ute up to his shack to cut the grass. He joined the ride at Sedan and was about halfway between the front and back. He stood chatting to us waiting for the ferry, meanwhile he could see his lawn (over the water). The crossings were "cattle class" only as you can see from the picture. You just had to laugh it off and go with the flow.
My two cents
I loved the early start in the dark with a perfect weather ride on empty roads from Bolivar to Tanunda as we approached dawn. I loved the sheer volume of expectant and friendly riders of all cycle types at Tanunda. The registration process was quick and painless and I was expecting the cost because of the good cause. I was happy to pay my $10 for a breakfast roll which was filling.
I actually thought that morning tea and or lunch may have been included in the registration fee but with a donation as well. Was I expecting too much?
I did over 500kms on some great country roads which was a heavy day after 5 weeks off the bike. The heat was tough going but that wasn't the organisers fault. I wondered how some riders managed the long stretch from Tanunda to TB without fuel stops and I saw many turn off at Murray Bridge, possibly for fuel, a rest or a cool drink.
I saw instances of riders push starting / jump starting bikes and heard of others supplying fuel
Many congregated around the servos at TB and over at least an hour finally found their way to the park in dribs and drabs. Many I asked, had no idea where we were meeting or where refreshments could be located. I was one of the last to get a coffee and many plates of (I thought very tasty and well prepared scones) went uneaten.
The ferry crossings were problematic because apart from Swan Reach (where we were all together in a long line, still keen, taking photos and swapping bike stories) they took far too long. it seemed that although we were waiting at Wellington, noone knew who for, and we were very late to leave for Goolwa. Plenty of sweat dripping into my butt crack
Who could possibly have expected the huge number of riders. I didn't pre register and this no doubt contributed to the long line of traffic, inconvenience to other road users and slowness at the ferries.
The lunch at Goolwa was great and the hospitality from the RSL outstanding. The beverages were cold and shady eating area welcome.
I loved riding with my mate on his new road glide, (who was blown away riding with a large group for the first time and usually avoids crowds) catching up with friends Graz, GT and Colstah from the forum, work, and Wall to Wall riders. (sorry I too missed Spook). I'm sure the organisers will take on board our concerns. Merv, the organiser admitted at the Goolwa lunch that they had underestimated the numbers and would not include ferry crossings in future. He also said that over 9000 riders participated around australia. This can only bode well for motorcycling in general.
Thoughts for the future Shorter ride legs A shorter ride overall to allow more interaction with riders at stops More available fuel stops No ferry crossings Advertised addresses of RSL refreshment locations and costs. The final stop closer to the CBD Closer adherance to departure times An advertised backup plan A support trailer.
I would ride again with the Black Dogs
