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 October, the time of year in Melbourne when motorcycling can require much studying of weather forecasts, examination of tealeaves and consultation with the gods before committing. But I hadn’t used the bike for several days and that isn’t healthy, so it was on with all available winter riding gear and set course for the start at Deer Park BP. This servo is unusual in that an Italian couple run a small coffee and take-away-food business there, so the coffee is much superior to the usual petrol station offerings, and is served in proper porcelain cups, not horrible plastic things. So it was around this attraction that we gathered to catch up and compare notes about our various journeys from home to the start. We welcomed Bill Weeden back as he has had a knee replaced with titanium parts, lighter than the standard item so we expect him to be going faster.
Ed led us west, soon by the minor road network to Exford, Fiskville and Mt Egerton. While heading west I could see a leaden coloured cloud mass to our right, at one stage complete with a bright half rainbow: … lets hope Ed isn’t going to take us into that!” I thought, then we reach an intersection and turn sharp right towards the cloud – but it obligingly drifts off to the east and only its fringes sprinkle us. No traffic around, and in the somber lighting conditions the road ahead wound black through rich damp green hills. Flocks of sheep stare then scatter away from us, and at the side of the road a splash of pink and grey happens as some galahs take off. We were in the Yaloak Vale area and Ed told me later that a lot of Scots settled the area.
The hamlet of Gordon came into view and soon we were slowing then maneuvering to park outside the milk bar for the morning break. I had wondered if the temperature had gone down – Bill told me that his bike was showing 4 degrees on its gauge. The milk bar has changed hands recently and the new owners made a good job of coping with our sudden demands for hot food and drinks. Here we met Burger and John who had ridden from nearby Ballarat and joined us for the rest of the ride.
Sunlight reasserted itself as we left Gordon, Ed leading us through quiet rural back roads, past farms, forested hills, bends both sharp and slow, sweeping and fast. At a farm I saw Ed’s brake light flash on – a large black cow was standing one side of the road and a dog the other, they didn’t move but later I learn that the cow jumped back over a fence. Great to be out there on a bike, Dean, Newlyn, Smeaton, Werona and Yandoit flashing past until we entered Hepburn Springs to stop at Daylesford for lunch. Many good cafes here and we chose the Bakery where I had soup and two slices of garlic bread for $7.50. And of course another coffee. Much chatting, then we returned to the bikes and Ed did a minor repair to his before leading us south to Spargo Creek, the Western Highway and home.
Thanks Ed for another great day, and Bill for riding tail end.
Participants:
Ed Sleightholm Triumph Bonneville T100 2005
Ray Isles BMW R80 1995
Peter Cullen BMW R1100 GS 2000
Tony Border Ducati 750 GT 1972
Bill Weeden Honda ST 1300 2003
Philip McArdle Honda Deauville
Adrian Nash Kawasaki Z250 1982
Ian Roddick Yamaha FJR 1300 2007
Berger Drake Honda ST1100 1990
John Lawrence (Guest rider) Harley-Davidson Panhead)
John Best Suzuki Bandit 2008.
John Best
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