Friday the 13th

[Shillas]

There's a small group of ST Riders in Adelaide who I've connected with through their Facepalm^tm  page. We've done a number of rides over the past year, but today's was perhaps the first one for the year for me.

We normally meet at the Tea Tree Gully Hotel, a reasonable half way point for us, today it was just myself & one other, a retired cop (I seem to know a fee of retired cops on motorcycles) & we met at Gumeracha in the Hills. A chat, then on to Mt Pleasant for coffee & hot bakery goods. Noticed an ex-police BMW1250RT on arrival. Except there was still some blue light areas on it. Noticed a rather hairy Harley type in the bakery & it was the only bike about at that stage, apart from our magnificent 1300s.

After coffee, hot bakery items & a chat, back to the bikes - saw the Harley rider getting ready to mount the BMW. Stopped for a chat - the blue-light on the bike were reflecters he thought handy to keep on. Says the bike slows down traffic, which was STinky Pete's experience on his BMW. He was a Harley rider, still has one, but prefers the BMW -  which irritates his Harley riding mates.

A couple of Triumph riders arrived, but we headed off to Mannum, down the slopes of the Ranges through Tungkillo & Palmer, riding with BMW guy to Palmer.

After Mannum, I went on to Murray Bridge intending to do the Ferries at Tailem Bend & Wellington after the Mannum Ferry, but then decided to visit Monarto Safari Park instead & use my Zoo membership to see the new elephants. I was in two minds about the accessibility for the ST, especially after very heavy rains last weekend closed it while they assessed conditions.

The bike was fine, but needed a plate for the sidestand as the ground was still soft.

Jumped on the Safari Bus, did the full tour for once - I'd normally hop on / hop off & do some walking trails, but I was in riding gear & hadn't brought a decent camera. Saw a couple of the new elephants, and as can be guaranteed without the right camera, the animals were all lining up for photos.

Once I'd done there, an easy ride home.

[Bodø]

I did wonder if you still rode with that group.  I'll be riding with the Ride The Fleurieu Group (still can't believe Bronwyn let you in  ) today if you're up for another ride.  Tomorrow is the monthly SA Scoots ride but as my daughter plays football on sundays I shall be watching that instead.

[Wild Rose]

The Monarto Safari Park is a great place to visit
We visited there while Mannum National Rally
Great place to spend a couple hours

[Shiney]

Sounds like a great day out

Like Leo, we enjoyed touring the Monarto Safari Park during the Mannum National Rally

[Dragonstaff]

I carry a bit of wood on the end of a strap that loops around the grip for putting under the stand in dodgy conditions. I see a bit of sand on occasion up here... It lives in the left hand pie warmer with my hat.

As for the guy with the ex-police BM and his blue reflectors having a speed-reduction effect on traffic, I once had an XSive 1100 Yamaha with a big, white, LaParrissian touring fairing on it, and a habit even then of riding with the headlight on. I also wore a black leather jacket of the Brando style (as I still do) and an open-face helmet that appeared to be a silvery white colour from the front.

The number of cars that swiftly moved into the left lane as I rode down the Freeway into Adelaide at speed was quite remarkable. A fair number of them also slowed down as they saw me approaching too. What they thought when they noticed the durry in my fingers as I passed by I have no idea.

[Brock]

Riding my bike through the Perth traffic has an amazing calming effect, two of us is even better..

When a driver sitting on their phone finally notices me, they get a nasty fright. I have seen a number of phones tossed over the passenger seat.  One car even pulled over when I wagged the finger..