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 The weather mavens promised a fair day so members fronted up at the Mobil Servo in North Cranbourne in anticipation of a grand day. As usual, they were not disappointed in Ed’s lovely tour of Gippsland.
The first pleasant surprise was the route through Clyde and Five Ways that managed to bypass the Cranbourne traffic, which is always a good start, to the South Gippy through Tooradin and The Bogs for a turn off at Lang Lang and through the familiar countryside adjoining Nyora and Loch which pleasantly surprised us with no rain. The weather is perfect, cool and brisk with hazy sun. The roads are clear and all in all a nice trip to Korumburra for Morning Tea at Kelly’s- Bakery.
Ed did announce in the Ride Preamble that Morning Tea was Korumburra and also that Lunch was at Leongatha and the comment was made by one of the group: “What, 15K? That will be an Early Lunch”. Obviously overlooking our Leader’s uncanny ride planning abilities.
True enough, we did proceed to Leongatha and continued through for the best part of the days ride that was, to my estimate, over 70K. And was it Great: Up hill and down dale through some of Gippsland’s beautiful scenery. To Woodren, Marden South, Marden, Mirboo North, Limonite, Mirboo, Dunbalk with beautiful long stretches where we must have spread out for 5 kilometres between riders. There was one little hiccup when we took a short bypass to the main highway that seemed very suspicious with all the muck on the road. Suspicion confirmed: A short bridge at the other end was gated off. No notice at the beginning. Oh well, we should be used to Vic Roads stumbling incompetence by now. A bit tricky doing a U bolt on the narrow track but all managed and we proceeded to Leongatha for lunch.
Interestingly, the bakery was staffed by one Chinese girl that managed to serve us all in good time. The Morning Tea at Kelly’s took forever and had a huge staff. .
Having discussed all the problems of the world and made suggestions for their solution we headed for the servo to provide lunch for the thirsty bikes before we made the last segment for home.
Off to Korumburra via the Ruby Road, Korumburra, Bena and Poowong which would have been a very enjoyable stretch of road if we hadn’t had to trail a rather inconsiderate cattle transport driver at 30 to 80K, but after that a superb end to the day at Cardinia where we bid each other farewell
A terrific day with no problems to bike or owner and we once again owe a vote of many thanks to Ed and his uncanny ride organizing ability. Well done!
Phillip McArdle
Midweek Run Participants List: (Aug 3rd 2011)
Reg Hammond Honda Transalp 2006
Adrian Nash Kawasaki Z 250 1981
Bill Weedon Honda ST 1300 2003
Jack Youdan Triumph Thruxton 900 2009
John Best BMW R80 1986
Tom Myers Yamaha FZ6S 2008
Phillip McArdle Honda Deauville 2007
Ian Roddick Yamaha FJR 2007
Ed Sleightholm Triumph Bonnieville T100 2005
Ray Isles BMW R80 1995
Conor Murphy Yamaha XJ900 1984
Tony Border Ducati 750 1972
Burger Drake Vincent 1000 1950
Peter Cullen BMW R60/5 1971
Eric Crombie Triumph Thunderbird 1997 |
