First night on the road and it was a disrupted sleep but you get that until you hit your groove.
Not wanting to be “the one” that holds everyone up, I made sure that I was at the meet point early and the sunrise this morning did not disappoint.
Slowly the guys all arrived after one little incident on the way, but everyone is ok, so we set off. When you are so used to riding on your own, setting your own pace and peeling off for the odd photo opportunity it’s hard when riding in a group of Distinguished Gentlemen that have been riding together for “decades”.
First stop just down the road in Renmark for coffee, splash & dash and snacks for the boys. Off again and there is again a bit of a head wind and it’s a little fresh this morning. Fergus’ little snowflake symbol came on the dash – never seen that before.
So glad I reinvested in a new heated suit and today it got a real workout….I was nice and toasty all day.
Past Morgan and heading to Burra for an early lunch. The wind is really picking up and you can just watch the fuel gauge dropping. The bakery is the place this group gravitate to and a fine choice too, if you ask me – pie was good.
And here are my riding companions better known from now on as the “Distinguished Gentlemen”. From left, Trevor, Barry, Macca, Possum, Scott, Chicky, Kimmie & Bill. If I’m being honest here, they truly are a group of gentlemen!!
From here we traversed roads I’ve not travelled before and I’m trying to find my groove in the pack. The boys have said “just do you Kimmie, we are all watching each other” and have welcomed me into the fold with open arms…..awww thanks guys.
Normally I’d go out through Crystalbrook & Spalding but today Chicky leads us through Hallet, Booleroo, Melrose before arriving in Wilmington. The roads all the way are open, the scenery green as green, the sky a little mirky and in some instances thought we might get a little damp but dodged that bullet.
Horrocks Pass and I must say it was a good run down the hill. Nice and steady on Fergus and he just chewed up the curves and put a smile on my dial.
Finally arriving in Port Augusta just after 2pm with full tanks ready for the morning.
All checked in and clean, we all mull around sharing stories and getting to know each other a little better before a short walk to the pub for dinner. No lamb cutlets tonight but the Chicken Julienne was darn delicious.
Have a late start tomorrow, stands up 9:30am so get a sleep in….yay!!
