(Report by John Cook)

About twenty of us thoroughly enjoyed Roger's ride and exploring areas north of Melbourne today. Some (including me) even enjoyed some roads and scenery we’d never previously seen.

Once chats, introductions and briefings were completed we did a bit of a “transport run" north up the Hume and then a bit west along Donnybrook Road before getting into the “good stuff”.

First there were some delightful gorges just north of Tullamarine and we also got to see some jets preparing land as we rode rural backroads.  More gorges were explored and then we rode north through Lancefield before Roger took us north west along Burke and Wills Track and then across a 150 year old bridge before we stopped for a rest and cuppa break at Redesdale.

The break was enjoyed by all in a great setting and then we rode more great back roads (the basalt / rock scenery has to be ridden and experienced to be fully appreciated) with very little traffic north of Melbourne.  We took a diversion through Kyneton before stopping at Malmsbury for lunch and another chat in beautiful winter sunshine.

Put simply, a great day’s riding.  Roger thanks for putting it together, Jack thanks for doing tail duty again and thanks to all who came along and made it such an enjoyable day. As shown in the photos we had a great variety of bikes and people too.  

I did have one very embarrassing moment near Redesdale.  I stopped on some gravel and while hurrying to get back to the road to take some photos I had a brain fart and managed to let the old Honda fall over and have a little lie down.   No damage, but I confirmed I was stronger in my mid 40s than I am in my mid 70s as the bike seemed heavier than I remember as it took some picking up.  Still got some “bridge photos” though.  On the plus side, the new tyre is properly seated in now. 

Cheers

John Cook