I enjoyed the Melbourne branch ride to Meeniyan today but I’m biased as I organised it. We had a very good turn up despite the forecast of thunderstorms in the afternoon. 

Once briefings and chats were completed, we rode off with Sam doing TEC duty.

We immediately left the old highway and rode north towards Emerald and took in some nice bends before heading east into the back of Pakenham where I missed one turn which I wasn’t going to mention but Ian knew!  A couple of hundred metres on the old highway and we got back on route.  We then rode through some old rail towns and stopped in Bunyip for an early cuppa break and chat.

We then rode assorted backroads through places such as Ripplebrook and Hallora before taking a diversion to check out Lancey’s Lookout.   We had to stop for a herd of cattle on that side road. 

The stockman herding them did know how to crack his whip but the sound of an idling KTM possibly made the cattle a bit nervous about passing us.

The it was a regroup near Ruby

and on to Meeniyan where we stopped for lunch at the tables in the centre median strip.  Actually, a very pleasant setting.

 Temps were up to mid 30s during the ride and there was quite a bit of discussion about a forecast thunderstorm.

We then rode north through Dumbalk and Thorpdale and joined the freeway at Trafalgar where I managed to make a second navigation glitch in failing to avoid a traffic light.  We also had a hiccup with regard to who the TEC was on the return ride so that was bit embarrassing for me.

Traffic was consistent and flowed well as we rode west back to Melbourne and I got caught in a rain shower around Tynong, but it didn’t last as long as we’d all like.

Thanks to all who came along – another r great day with fellow Ulysseans

Cheers

John Cook