Six of us gathered at Ardeer

for the ride to Portarlington and enjoyed good riding weather.  After a good chat, we set off shortly after 10.00 a.m. and rode west to Rockbank, left the freeway and made our way through Exford and Rowsley before the spectacular (but narrow and bumpy) climb up from Glenmore.

All oncoming cars got half off the narrow road to let us stay on the bitumen which was great roadcraft by the drivers.  We had a brief photo stop and rode on to Meredith for our cuppa break and a chat.  Andrew and Sam then headed off their own way.     We then rode through Steiglitz and some very enjoyable roads and scenery despite many new 80 KPH zones.  Pat then left us to go to a social gathering so then it was down to Jeff, Peter and me.  We descended one more spectacular drop near Maude and rode on to Eastern Beach

and stopped for some pics by the Geelong waterside. 

It really is worth a visit from time to time.

We arrived in

Portarlington around 1.00 PM

and decided to take our time and catch the 3.00PM ferry.  The service at the Bakery in Portarlington was both very friendly and efficient.  

We the tootled around the Esplanade and foreshore (with views back to Melbourne)

to Indented Head and St Leonards before riding on to Queenscliff, where we had time to check out the ocean views

before catching the ferry across to Sorrento. 

We all agreed that we thought the ferry fee was a bit expensive, but it is a nice crossing.

We also chatted to a younger couple who had been away on a two day ride.     

From Sorrento, we took the back road to Rye and then some freeway before splitting off in different directions once we hit the diversions away from the closed Peninsula Link.  Considering it was Mothers’ Day, traffic on the Peninsula was lighter than I expected. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the day – Thanks to all who came along.  Some photos are Peter’s and some are mine.

Cheers  John Cook