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 Seven of us met at the Shell servo on the Princes Highway at Laverton to be joined later by another member. Under threatening skies we headed west on the highway turning right on the Little River turn off. Continuing west we then rode through Lara and on to some of the best bike roads in the rural areas north of Geelong and east of the Midland Highway that runs from Geelong to Ballarat. Some of these roads meandered up and down through steep valleys and we rode over a few wooden bridges crossing over the Moorabool River several times as well and also some creeks. These areas encompassed Russell’s Bridge, Let bridge, Maude and Sheoaks.
It was here that Burger Drake had ridden down from Ballarat and was waiting for us with his very nice Triumph Tiger at a Midland Highway intersection.
We all then rode on to our morning break at the Anakie general store and café. Great spot this for a cuppa, good service and cheap tucker.
Weather remained overcast but dry as we then rode north on the Ballan road turning off at Durdidwarrah to Morrison (another valley, another bridge) and on to Meredith where Tony topped up his Ducati. We again headed north up through Elaine, Mount Doran,Clarendon and Lal Lal. It was around this area that the sun finally broke through as we then rode on to Yendon,Dunnstown,Millbrook and our lunch stop at the Gordon general store and café (yes, another one). We were now joined by another member, Bruce Armfield on a scooter. Bruce had lunch with us and afterwards rode back to Ballarat with Burger Drake. The ride was now more or less over. I split up with the main group and headed home down the Ballarat freeway via Ballan. It was sad to see the Catholic Church in the high street gutted out by a recent fire. The others entered the freeway at the Gordon interchange. Another great run today with an excellent variety of country roads and almost all traffic free.
Rolled the Transalp in the shed around 3 pm showing 359 klms on the speedo. Another great ride, thanks Ed. Looking forward to the next.
PARTICIPANTS
John Best Suzuki Bandit 2008
Ed Sleightholm Triumph Bonneville T100 2005
Adrian Nash Kawasaki Z250 1982
Ian Ruddock Yamaha FJR 2007
Tony Border Laverda 750SF 1973
Bill Wheedon Honda ST 1300 2003
Reg Hammond Honda Transalp 2006
Burger Drake Triumph 650 Tiger 1970
Bruce Armfield scooter |
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