It is interesting to see the volume of photos posted by the adventure riders who seem to have time getting down and dirty whilst recording the evidence – our ‘roadies’ need to adopt the same skills. Hence an apology again from me today – no photos sorry! :-(
We were blessed with very mild weather this morning for our Tasman Peninsula ride, I don’t think the temperature dropped below 12 and bordering on 15 at times. That is not necessarily a good sign at this time of the year as it is likely we will get damp from above.
There was another amazing gathering at Cambridge Park with 30 riders rocking in all smiles. The Mazda MX5 car club were also there and managed to exit just in front of us with a similar number of cars- they drove out to the Tasman Highway and we rode west onto Kennedy Drive just to be different.
Our ride plan had been set and advertised with Nigel as ride leader but he was expecting ‘tradies’ today and you don’t put them off, hence I was asked to be his cover agent.
Murdunna Roadhouse was chosen for morning tea and despite being a tricky bit of the busy Arthur Highway, the home cooked food and good coffee was well worthwhile. We were joined here by a further five riders, including our ‘Brock’ family from Nugent – Rodney with young Marina in the sidecar and Sophie pillion + Mina riding solo on the 250cc Yamaha for a comfort ride.
With the volume of people our morning tea stop was rather long, providing plenty of time to catch up with old and new friends. A handful of riders returned both from here and Dunalley with the remainder continuing on via the old Eagle Hawk Neck Road and completing the clockwise loop around Port Arthur and Nubeena, pulling into Rosedale Farm at Taranna for lunch. It was interesting to pass three riders heading anti-clockwise to our lunch stop but not really surprising as they did check with me to see if that was our ride route so they could head off first. I led the main bunch clockwise as I knew in my head what I meant!!! We usually end up having a few head away in opposite directions but it is not an issue on this loop as it is equidistant anyway.
On arrival at Rosedale, guess who was taking up most of the carpark, sending us into the overflow area – yes, that Mazda bunch and they were already seated and orders placed. Not to worry, we had permission to head out in the sun on the veranda which was so much more enjoyable and healthy and the children (of all ages) were able to wander around and look at all the animals – sheep, goats, llama, deer, camel, Clydesdale horses, beautiful bird species and so much more. There is also a museum being set up which is well worth a look when you have time.
Although lunch took a little bit of time it was to be expected with so many people to feed with both social groups. This is another venue we can look forward to dropping by for coffee and food when down the Peninsula and a good drive and place for anyone to follow in cars as well.
As expected, the skies clouded over suddenly and there were a few light spits of rain – maybe 6 in all, but enough to get people swiftly out to the bikes and head homeward in various directions. Another thoroughly enjoyable outing with friends.
