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 I’m recovering from the flu and everything seems hard work, but a mid week ride is too good to miss, so I make my way to the start at the service station at Hampton Park, at the northern edge of the Mornington Peninsula. We meet and talk about our various traffic experiences getting here – a clear runs from Northcote, Fairfield and Yarrambat, a congested run from Laverton. I talk to Phil about problems he has had with premium grade fuel, not me I say, it runs on anything (famous last words, I fill up with premium and experience poor acceleration, the fuel turn out to be dirty and the filter is blocked). Soon Ed leads us south in clearing weather through Pearcedale, Tyabb and across to the west and the Moorooduc highway where suddenly he moves off the road and stops, not a regroup – his Ariel has a broken clutch cable. He lives nearby so he parks his bike in the safe-keeping of some gnomes in the nursery and Bill gives him a lift back home – soon Ed reappears on his BSA.
We set off again weaving through the peninsula heartland of gently rolling landscape with wineries, rows of huge pine trees, and greenery fed by the recent rains. Overhead I see a large ‘V’ formation of Sacred Ibis, a common sight in this area. Now we are climbing the hill to leafy Arthur’s Seat and turning east, or west, or left or right, I’m not sure but it’s up and down the gear box here. I see we are nearing Red Hill south and a glimmer of hope arises in my mind, it must be morning coffee time by now. Yes! I see Ed’s left hand indicator come on and the stacatto beat of his BSA’s exhaust slows, he is turning into the car park outside the bakery. Now this top spot, cozy in winter and shady in summer, with good food. The car park is surprisingly busy with cars and bikes pausing and maneuvering, and a car backs out of a spot and I move in with a sense of urgency – I know they have good cakes and I’d like to be at the front of the queue. Later we are all seated and here are our nutritional choices, I counted: two sausage rolls, one muffin, one slice chocolate cake, one pie, one custard and almond croissant (me). Drinks: most of us ordered different types of coffee, and Ray a green tea – well done Ray.
Refreshed, we start up our bikes and ride off on the local roads, which are so good for motorcycling. Ed leads us to HMAS Cerebus, the naval training facility at Crib Point where after a signing-in process we park on a conveniently large asphalted area near the museum. We have broken a rule! This is the ‘Sacred Acre’, the parade ground, and we are politely asked to move the bikes. Fortunately we not punished and listen to an introductory talk in the museum provided by one of the navy trainees. The museum presents a wealth of naval history from when Victoria had its own small navy through to modern times. There are also two impressive church buildings both of which have lovely stained glass windows many of which are memorials to the sacrifice of servicemen and women in past conflicts. Most of the others on the ride seem to have done National Service in its various forms and I notice the exhibits in the museum bring back memories for them.
Its lunchtime, and Ed unerringly leads us to Balnarring where in bright sunshine we park and make our choices between the bakery and the deli. We sit outside having a relaxed lunch before heading back towards Hastings and then our various ways home.
Thanks Ed for a great day out, and Bill for riding tail end.
John Best
PARTICIPANTS
ED SLEIGHTHOLM ARIEL RED HUNTER 1957
ADRIAN NASH KAWASAKI 250 TWIN 1982
RAY ISLES BMW R80 1995
BILL WEEDON HONDA ST1300 2003
REG HAMMOND HONDA TRANSALP 2006
PHIL McArdle HONDA D’VEAUVILLE 2007
JOHN BEST SUZUKI BANDIT 2008
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