I enjoyed a great day out with fellow Ulysseans at the mid- winter Meet and Greet on Sunday.
Ross from Gippsland plus Brian from the Westgate Wanderers joined the Melbourne Branch at Ardeer
for the ride to Newstead.
Brian led the ride and Bill handled Tail end duties. Others at Ardeer for the start included Cevat, Jeff, Mike, Peter, Rob and me.
Once formalities were done, Brian led us on a “transport run” up the freeway past Bacchus Marsh and then through the delightful Pentland Hills. It was about this stage that I became “geographically challenged” (OK – lost) and I enjoyed the roads he took along on our ride to Blackwood. Some of the farm country looked beautifully green but I believe it’s a bit of a “green drought” and farmers are still hoping for some more decent rain.
We took a short rest and coffee break at Blackwood
Don't care what Henry Ford said, Red is nice too
which was quite a bit colder than our departure point. I was glad that both my thermal clothing and electric heated gloves were doing their job and made it a very enjoyable winter ride. After exchanging some more disgraceful lies we rode on through “spa country” past Mt Franklin (the site of the original meet and greets organised by “Gentle” of Geelong Branch many years ago before bureaucratic red tape made things difficult) and on to Newstead where we were greeted by many other Ulysseans.
I know I’ll miss some people, so I won’t try and name then all. I’d say over 60 people and bikes were present. Members from Geelong, Central Highlands, Grampians, Westgate Wanderers plus many others were there. I know we also had people from Alexandra, Koroit and Rochester plus many other places.
Some dined at the hotel and many of us got food at the cafés and enjoyed some camaraderie and simply mingled. I had a great time. It all went too fast and then it was time to head off home.
Many thanks to the organisers and all who came along.
Peter and Ross (from Longford in Gippsland) joined me for a ride home via the eastern suburbs. We saw Woodend, Romsey, Wallen, Arthurs Creek and Kangaroo Ground on our way with minimal traffic issues. We finally parted company around Warrandyte to head home.
After some 480 km since my last fill, I also found it prudent to fuel up on my way home ready for using the bike again on Monday morning.
I had a great day.
Cheers John Cook