Well, it was Fathers’ Day, so of course I had to go for a ride.  As I was the designated ride leader, I guess I didn’t have much choice anyway.

The weather forecast for Sunday had been appalling for a few days in the lead up, but Cevat, Pat and Steve ignored that to join the ride. 

Quite odd for a Melbourne Branch ride today - Two Hondas, one Triumph and only one BMW – normally BMWs are in the majority.  Does that mean BMW riders are smarter than the rest of us or simply chickens?   I mean, it’s Melbourne, we know how to prepare for riding in all sorts of weather.

As it transpired, we basically had a dry ride.  I put on wet weather pants “just in case” and of course that meant a dry ride and my winter gloves kept my hands a tad too warm.

All the usual group formalities were dispensed with and after one traffic light leaving Lilydale, we took to back roads and explored orchard and farm country at a nice clip with virtually no traffic.  I used part of a route originally shown to me by Suzanne our former branch secretary and it provided some great views and riding.  We used Paternoster Road as part of the route before riding through Gembrook and north past Kurth Kiln to Yarra Junction where we had a “cuppa break”.  Service at the cafe was both good and very friendly, the young girl who served us was also a dirt bike rider and we discussed wet weather and riding.   The forecast rain had still not caught us despite rain further west.

We then rode back towards Melbourne and took some detours to enjoy more back roads and views.  As we approached Healesville, I saw rain and dirty weather further to our north, so we turned left and made our way home past St Huberts and Lilydale airfield and rain showers finally caught up with us about 10 minutes before we arrived at

our home in Montrose.

Two more BMW riders (Brian and Andrew) met us there after arriving in cars.  Fellow Honda rider Barry also arrived in a tin top but as he had a knee replacement very recently, we figured that was a reasonable excuse.

Kris had done a wonderful job preparing for us and we settled into some simple BBQ fare

while discussing random things.  A rule banning political discussion was invoked but didn’t hinder conversations.

Thanks to all who came along and most importantly to Kris for all she did while I was out doing what I love – riding a motor bike.  Despite the forecast, it was a good day for riding.

Cheers

John Cook