Favourite Rides - KEN BLAKE MEMORIAL
Strathalbyn. SA.
About eighteen of us met at Becks Bakehouse, Port Noarlunga, on a bright sunny, Sunday morning to head out in the hills for a ride to Strathalbyn. The plan being to visit `Collectable Classics` and move on to the Kenny `Blake Memorial` and Lunch at the Robin Hood Hotel.
John Buchanan from the McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic Rally was there to invite the club to join the parade in April, and there were a few takers, I hope we can have some representation at this prestigious event. (See following SA News!!!)
Some fifteen bikes headed out along River Road and through the township of Old Noarlunga to pick up the Victor Harbor Road, the plan being to gather at the traffic lights and all go up the hill together . . . . . . quickly changing traffic lights put that plan to bed!! We regrouped up the hill and headed out along Seaview road with views of the Gulf to our left and vineyards to the right, down Field street to McLaren Vale and on to Willunga. We had a buzz up old Willunga Hill. Riding along the top of the hills on Range Road twisting through the vines and the trees arching the road and then descending down the hairpins of Wickhams Hill to the Kangarilla road. A quick regroup, and everyone`s there, (Michael Walker is keeping us all together by bringing up the rear) and along to Peter`s Creek Road through part of Kuitpo forest, down Brookman road and into Meadows. Still all with me, and running reasonably to time, a trip down the twists and turns of the Bull Creek Road, then over the hill at Ashbourne.
We arrived at Collectable Classics to be welcomed by Graham, who gave us a quick run-down of the business and its history and then at our leisure we were able to look around at the cars and motorcycles he has in the five sheds on the property. Vintage cars of all descriptions from an Austin Seven, M.G.B, Jaguar XK120 to an `E`Type and Fords, Morris`s and Holdens, a dozen bikes - DKW, Bonneville and a Wankel powered Hercules!! An enjoyable visit.
On to the Kenny Blake Memorial, which if you haven't seen it, is best described as a composite, eclectic, collection of nuts, bolts, spanners, drill, chains, nails and other assorted metal work items, assembled to make a fitting representation of Kenny Blake aboard his 1976 Suzuki RG500, that looks absolutely superb.
Lunch followed at the `Hood` aka the Robin Hood Hotel, with a pleasant hour of feasting and chatting with the odd beverage here and there. After lunch we farewelled a few, but I must make mention of Greg and Janet Blenkiron who had travelled from Bordertown to be with us today, together with a beautiful 1974 Kawasaki Z1A!
Some of us then enjoyed a ride along the Macclesfield Road for a quick St. Pat`s day Guinness at the Three Brothers Arms before dispersing and heading our various ways home.
Story and photos supplied by Peter Donnellan. Additional photo supplied by Ian Polhill. This story first appeard in the VJMC Forum.