Some days, thing don’t quite go to plan and today was one of those.
On Saturday I got out my electric heated gloves, connected them to the bike and made sure they worked -great.
This morning, I went out to the bike, connected everything and then the bike wouldn’t start - flat battery! Eventually worked out I’d left the heated gloves connected and I now know the wire is constantly live – Doh!
Happily, my son’s bike was available, so I borrowed it and rode an Africa Twin
today instead of my old “Pan European and still made it in time to lead the ride.
Did I mention weather forecasts? Last week it was dire, and it transpired that it remained dry all day but most (including me) chickened out. This week, the forecast was kind, and many turned out to enjoy the ride and weather, so of course it started raining as soon as we crossed “The Divide” and reached Narbethong and temperatures went down. Of course, my wet weather gear was on my bike at home and as ride leader I had no option but to continue. Three people abandoned at Yarck due to lack of gear etc.
So much for plans going awry. Despite that, we had a great turn up,
a nice ride via back roads to Healesville, a great run over the Black Spur to Dom Dom Saddle (zero traffic) and then a car actually pulled over to let us pass. We had a great (very light traffic) ride to Yarck
where we stopped, had a hot drink and snack and decided to continue.
Once past Merton, I diverted past Polly McQuinn’s and Strathbogie. The views weren’t as good as normal, the drizzle continued and temperatures dropped too. We continued into Euroa, where we refuelled
and lunched indoors at the servo. Happily, that was the end of the wet weather.
For the return ride,
most of us came back via Creightons Creek and Highlands to Yea where we split off in various directions to head home.
Thanks to my son Greg for lending me a bike at extremely short notice. I quite enjoyed the Africa Twin. It was comfortable for me, confirmed cruise control is good on bikes too and I still don’t understand all the controls, functions and options.
Many thanks to all who came along and Jeff for doing TEC duty. New member Alex, welcome and I hope you enjoyed the day. It was also good to see several other “fresh faces” along for the ride.
Cheers
John Cook