I will start by saying;

“Roger, thanks for a great ride today.”

Despite the weather forecast , the authorities fiddling with clocks , navigation hiccups, roadworks and a cycling event limiting lanes on the West Gate Bridge, 10 of us joined Roger at the Ardeer start point.

We had a truly enjoyable exploration of the roads and countryside north west of Melbourne.  I generally had some idea of where I was, but please don’t ask me to replicate the route. 

There was a busy market in Gisborne as we rode through.  We went through Riddells Creek and rode assorted backroads before stopping at

Lancefield for a break.  It “sort of” half tried to drizzle a number of times but nothing to necessitate getting out full wet weather gear.  Considering we rode near Mt Macedon that was rather good luck.

Roger then led us along lots more great roads.   We passed Lauriston and

Upper Coliban Reservoirs before we stopped at Woodend for lunch. 

It was good to see Neill who again who came back for more despite my attempts to drown him a week ago and having ridden to Mildura and back between his Sunday rides.

Roger and I represented the Japanese brands today.  Triumph had a really good and varied representation with Big Dave, Kal, Mike and Rob all on very different machines.

BMWs also had a great variety between Neil’s R1800, Andrew and Gary’s RSs and Cevat and Sam’s GSs.

Once lunch was done, Andrew, Mike, Samuel and I rode back toward the north east via Romsey, Wallan and Yan Yean on our way home.     

I had a great day and really enjoyed the countryside and roads.

Thanks to all who came along to enhance the camaraderie and a special mention to Samuel for volunteering to do tail end duties again.    

John Cook