Our 2021 Rally was held over the week end of the 6 and 7th of November in the Historic Mining town of Burra SA. We had about 60 motorcycle entries with approx. 90 people attending. Unfortunately our interstate entries from Victoria and New South Wales had to pull out at the last minute due to COVID quarantine restrictions. We live in hope that we will be able to join us next year!
Verity Robertson was rally coordinator, and did a great job organising the event, with assistance from Ian Rounsevell and Darren Zacker in organising the rides.
The rally started on Friday night with a BBQ meal at the Paxton Cottages ‘Chapel’ provided by the Burra Community School. It was a great night and we all enjoyed catching up with old friends.
Saturdays’ Run was to commence at 9.15 am leaving from the Paxton Cottages. The marshals left at dead on 9.15, and after a briefing for the ride group they left at 9.30.
The ride took us through Farrell Flat, Mintaro, Watervale for morning tea, Clare, Spalding then north to Bundaleer Forest.
We had lunch at the Bundaleer picnic ground. Father and son combo, Bill and Ben, Anderson(Yes really!) survey Bundaleer Picnic ground on their BSA Rocket 3 and Spitfire. A beautiful couple of bikes!
Catering was provided by the St James School Jamestown.
After lunch we headed home via Jamestown, Hallett and back to Burra.
As we made our way home ominous black clouds were building to the west. They became blacker and angrier looking as we ventured on. Luckily they held off until after we arrive back to Burra. Then the heavens opened up! Apparently we had 65mms in an hour and a half.
At about 4.30pm the power went out and everyone was wondering how we were going to have dinner tonight without power. Luckily about 5.30 the power came back on. In the meantime water was backing up at Paxton Cottages and some of the bikes were knee deep in water with a few falling over when their stands we undermined by the water.
At the same time we were supposed to be celebrating the 30th Annual rally with a ‘Happy Hour’ at the Gazebo/shelter in the rear landscaped area of the Paxton Cottages. Some of the members made the mad dash to the happy hour to share in a beer with other members.
Saturday night dinner was held at the Burra Bowling Club. The meal was great and we had a raffle draw after the meal. I think everyone enjoyed themselves.
For Sunday’s run we headed off a little later, at approximately 9.30am, and travelled to Auburn via Spring Farm Road for morning tea which was provided by the Auburn CWA.
After morning tea, we travel to Minoora and then on to Burra for lunch at the historic Burra Railway Station which was provided by the Friends of the Burra Railway Station.
This culminated in the finish of the rally, a great 2 days of bike rides, friends and lots of eating.
Special thanks to everyone who helped make the rally such a success, especially Verity! I can’t wait till next year’s rally at Berri SA, over the weekend 28th to 30th Oct 2022.
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