Barossa Rally
Barossa Valley Classic MCC
Despite weather threatening to wreak havoc, the 2016 Annual Rally saw approximately fifty bikes leave the Nuriootpa Sports Complex on time. The run to Angaston, over Menglers Hill, through Bethany, arriving at Faith Lutheran College at 10 am for morning tea was dry and un-eventful. The bikes were parked up and everyone made the most of their time here consuming hot coffee, savouries, biscuits and fresh scones jam and cream. The Barossa has some very nice restaurants and bakeries, but the standard presented here by Bianca Saegenschnitter at the Faith School Canteen could give them all a run for their money. Soon an hour had passed, and the weather had deteriorated, and light rain was starting to fall by the time everyone was back on their bikes and heading for Marananga and Seppeltsfield.
The rain had settled in by this time, and about half chose to take the short route back to Nuriootpa, while the others braved the weather to continue the extra 38 km through Kapunda before returning to the rally grounds for lunch. Everyone was happy to be back in the warmth and soon the complex was filled with chatter, which only receded when the lunch was served. Thanks to Mark and Gloria Rosensweig we were treated to a healthy serve of cooked to perfection roast beef, chicken, potatoes and salads, followed by the fruit salad and ice cream. I heard plenty of talk about great food, motorbikes, previous rallies, old times and great friendships, but despite the weather I didn’t hear anyone say they hadn’t enjoyed the day. The weather cleared during lunch, and Tony Codrington was seen to be doing some circle work on Dave Braunacks’ Malvern Star/DOT, while participants were selecting the peoples’ choice award. There wasn’t a great deal of chrome shining on any of the entered bikes at this stage, but it wasn’t hard to find something you would like to have in your own shed, then cast your vote. After all being privileged to have a classic motorcycle isn’t just about owning it. There is also the joy of repairing them, maintaining them, riding them, cleaning them, talking about them and putting them back in that special place in your shed until the next outing.