Day Nine - Into the Wine Country
No rain this morning, but still overcast and on the cool side. Tanya left us this morning - today was the day she was finally allowed to upgrade her motorcycle licence from a 250cc restriction to a full licence, so she headed straight to Adelaide to make sure the paperwork went through and she could trade up to a Harley tomorrow from her own bike.
We took off from Strathalbyn heading down towards the sea once more, through Victor Harbor and then off on a beautiful road to Cape Jervis.
The scenery could have been straight from our UK ride if you threw in a few stone fences - stands of pine trees, rolling green hills and beautiful high speed curves. As much as the Aussies hate to admit it though, the UK ride was warmer!!
A cold breeze straight from Antarctica chilled us to the bone, and as wonderful as the road was, we were glad to get off the bikes at Cape Jervis for a hot chocolate. It was hard to tell if it was the Harley's that were shaking us or our shivering shaking the bikes!
Cape Jervis is where the ferry departs to take people to Kangaroo Island, a beautiful spot off the coast of South Australia. As we warmed ourselves up, we met a couple on their own Harley's from the Gold Coast, who rode off the Kangaroo Island ferry and were on their way up to Nuriootpa for the HOG Rally this weekend.
Our route from the Cape took us along back through the hills then down to the sea, where the temperature was a good 5 degrees warmer, then through Willunga and up the back of McLaren Vale where we stopped for lunch. As we arrived, we rode through fields of vines, and past many famous Australian winery names - but no wine tasting for us!
The last part of our route took us out the back of Adelaide through the hills, and an amazing twisty little road between Clarendon and Belair, then down a dramatic winding descent from Windy Point into the heart of the city.
We rode through downtown, and past the University and Zoo before reaching our hotel in historic North Adelaide.
A photographer from the Adelaide Advertiser was waiting for us and took some photos that will hopefully make this morning's newspaper! Many of our group has family in Adelaide, and quite a few were waiting for our arrival, along with Tanya who is indeed now fully licenced!
Some of the group headed out for dinner with family, while the rest plotted a course through the wonderful restaurants and pubs in North Adelaide.
Hi Girls
Good to hear that you are all having a wonderful time on your great adventure! The scenery sounds amazing. Also good to hear the Missabittititti girls are keeping up their paddling skills (crossing the Murray River on the barge sitting on their bikes!!) How exciting for the Adelaide girls having their families greet them as they rode into their home town. Jo, I remember when you first contemplated going on the ride and look at you now! You made the dream a reality. Hello to my paddling buddies Lizzie, Donie and Donna.
Keep safe
Helen xx
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Mee Yee we are so very proud of you. Thanks for a great night with old friends. Lots love from Lynn & David
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Is it possible to contace Mee Yee in your group I would like to see her whilst in Adelaide. I have met her several times whilst Dragon Boating in Kl and Penang. My telephone number is 08 8353 3152 thanks
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For Donna Staib. HI Donna and your new found friends. It looks like your all having a great time. Keep it up and have some for us too please. We're thinking of you and can't wait to catch up. Safe travels to all. We luv ya. From the Staib tribe, Andrew, Heather, Mark, Sam, Jared and Thomas.
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Hay Donna,
Looks like way to much fun to me...
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Gidday Girlie (Peri)
When are you coming home. The street is very quiet without you!!!
It seems like you are having a wonderful time. No doubt you are meeting great new friends and enjoying a glass or two of nice wine along the way.
I hope you are not exhausting your fellow riders with your high energy levels and am sure rest will be on the agenda when you come home.
Love from Dea, Stephen & Matt.
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Peri
Better late then never. Congratulations on a wonderful trip and adventure. I am sure the wines in SA were far better than my French drops. Hope you are keeping everyone in control with " Just the one please " Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. Love me
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Hey girls
been keeping up to date with the ride some interesting times you have been having.
Love and big huggs to Shazza and Bad Aussie Donna.
P.s Shazza, Ollie cant wait to see ya monday
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To a bunch of very courageous and adventurous ladies: well done! What a great achievement!
I am sorry that your diary is coming to an end – it has been a most interesting read. I waited eagerly each day for the update and it never failed to touch and amuse . I could also almost hear the roar of the Harleys and your laughter, feel the breeze, sun and rain on my face when I was reading your words. So pleased that you guys had such an interesting and fun journey.
Mee Yee, we are all so happy for you for this wonderful experience and for the good friends you have made along the way.
Too all you great ladies, Keep on with the fun and laughter!
Ty (Mee Yee’s sister)
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A word of admiration and love for my wonderful sister Donie- I've just had a good look at the recent entries on your amazing journey. Was so lovely to see your happy smile and your obvious enjoyment, riding your beautiful bike!! Looking forward to catching up soon and hearing of your recent travels. I'm very sorry I didn't check out the website earlier and drop you an encouraging word. You are all fantastic people and I send a huge hug to each and every one of you, but especially to you Donie my very special sister that I love so dearly x Colina
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Hi Tan, well it looks like you are all having a ball on those bikes! Congratulations on your full licence. Just wanted to say how proud I am of you and to thank you for being such a wonderful friend. You are the bravest person I know and I love you more than words can say. Your an inspiration! Lots of love from Michelle, Trent and Ethan
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Hi Tanya, Looked at all your photos from your bikie trip which must have been a great experience for you all.
You are truly an amazing person Tanya through all the health issues you have had to endure. Michelle has always kept us in touch with you and your family who also must be so proud of you.
Well done and congratulations on the trip for it must have been exhausting for you,but worth the effort. Take Care
Love Raye and Ian
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