gunga downunder

[gunga din]

The hills that border the city of Adelaide, which incidentally, is the capital city of the state of South Australia, provide great motorcycling for three seasons of the year. Autumn however, is unquestionably the best season to ride the Adelaide hills. Unlike spring, there is little or no wind, and though in summer the hills provide relief from the heat of the plains, autumn is a transfusion of colour, and the winding roads are a biker’s delight and provide miles of undulating curved roads.

My ride was quite short, both in distance and time. I was out for about six hours and much of that time seemed to be spent removing and refitting my helmet and gloves, not to mention unpacking and repacking photographic equipment. I need to revisit a few posts on ‘how best to carry camera gear’. Stopping to take photos requires a certain dedication and a far better luggage system than my backpack.

My day was spent meandering around the Mt Lofty ranges that fringe the city and suburbs of Adelaide. Much of the traditional agriculture, like vegetable growing and orchards that existed in these parts have been replaced with vines, so forgive me for all the vineyard shots. In retrospect, I can’t believe I have taken such a chocolate box of assorted images. Hope it’s not too sickly sweet.

gunga

[Buckster]

Nice pics...so what's the Black Spot project?

[GypsyRR]

Your pictures are wonderful as always. Thanks for posting them. The one of your bike on the tree lined lane was really nice. And I agree, six hours is not enough time for riding in scenery like that and roads that nice. More please.

[cruiser]

Great photos and accompanying comments gunga din! For a moment there I thought your 'obligatory church photograph' depicted a full sized building - until I looked again... great shot! Thanks very much for sharing your ride with us

BTW, I know what you mean about the discipline required to make regular stops for photographic purposes
I have unbounded admiration for the few members - you know who you are! - who go to such extraordinary lengths to bring us their epic accounts

cruiser

[gunga din]

Buckster the Black Spot Project is a government initiative that attempts to address poorly considered road planning. Unfortunately, this project, which might inspire better signage, the installation of guard barriers, or even road rerouting, is sadly only initiated after a road fatality; hence the adoption of the term Black Spot, which refers to the site where the death or serious accident occurred.

The intersection in the photo is on a blind and undulating bend, and judging by the speed the motorcyclist captured in the pic took the corner, signage alone may not be sufficient to avoid another serious incident. I’m not implying by that statement that the biker was riding dangerously, its just that a car or truck entering such an intersection from a stop would not see a motorcyclist travelling at speed in time to avoid a collision. So in this case signage alone may prove to be an inadequate solution, but at least it’s an attempt to improve road conditions.

The initial click of the shutter in the image below gives a better impression of the motorcyclist's speed.

[famousperson]

Great pictures, beautiful countryside. Makes me want to visit! You are a great inspiration with your camera. I hope I can do half as well on my upcoming trip.

[Arbee]

Great Stuff

The trampoline was definately suspect on a 30 degree lean angle
The grand house and trees remind me of " Run Forest Run" ...Forest Gump

Cheers Arbee