Page 7 - December Exhaust Notes

Dec 2021 Exhaust Notes - Edition No 308 

Racecourse Rd which brought us onto the Western Hwy and into Beaufort, our lunch
destination.

We pulled up just off the main street near the park with the rotunda and some of us attacked a
local bakery to enjoy a “pie in the gutter” – OK – there were tables and chairs for the more
civilised amongst us! By this stage the sun was even trying to make an attempt to join us, so all
was well with the world – however, the wind was still chilly but. After a relaxed and enjoyable
break, in dribs and drabs we made our way to the local servo to fuel up and regroup for the
homeward bound leg of our journey.

We headed South out of Beaufort, passed Lake Goldsmith and then East onto the Carngham
road and on into Snake Valley, where we turned South again and found the Glenelg Hwy and
Linton. From Linton it was ever Southward (like Scott of the Antarctic) – and like Scott it was
getting colder the further we went and our cold wind had gained a few knots! We travelled down
through Happy Valley and into Cape Clear, where we stopped near the lighthouse for a toilet
break and stretch of legs. Yes, Cape Clear has a lighthouse even though it is currently 60 Klms
from the sea! – some time ago the good people of Cape Clear obviously decided to be proactive,
faced with the reality of global warming and rising sea levels!!

Our number had reduced by one – Gentle apparently had some “business” to attend to in Linton
so left the ride there – he was last seen heading off with purpose in his strides. The remaining 8
of us headed out to Rokewood Junction, Dereel and Mt Mercer, then down to Shelford and
across to Inverleigh, the planned end of the ride. Jim, on the big white Indian also left the ride at
Shelford leaving 7 of us to mull over the day’s events at Inverleigh. Even though the weather
was decidedly cool there was no shortage of insects and bugs to add colour to the day, however I
found that if I positioned myself behind either of the big, wide Indians I would encounter
relatively “clean” air, as I was copping only the odd insect that had avoided the Indian massacre.
st
I also think this is the 1 ride I have been on where we’ve had 2 Indians in the mix – a black one
and a white one – If I was ever inclined to buy one I would probably go non PC and get a “red”
one – I believe they go faster!

In summary, a brilliant days ride (by the time I got home I had clocked up 350 Klm) – Mark
had weaved his usual magic over the whole route finding any amount of interesting and
occasionally challenging country roads, meandering through picturesque rural settings in and
around the Dividing Range. Apart from maybe 5 degrees warmer, what more could you ask for!
Well done – a great ride to hopefully celebrate the end of the Covid blues! Thanks to John for
keeping us together and thanks to all for a thoroughly enjoyable day out on 2 wheels. Did I hear
someone say “there were not enough chiefs and too many Indians” – It wasn’t me!

Peter t.

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