We had a great turn out for the Melbourne Branch ride from Lilydale to San Remo today and no doubt I’ll forget a name or two – Sorry!  The weather was great for riding and not too hot. 

We also had an amazing variety of bikes as shown in the photos.

New member Matt (his wife bought him membership some months ago I believe) joined us for his first ride with the Ulysses Club.  Scott and Dave came out with us again.   Neil and Adele joined us for their first time in at least a couple of years.  Ken also joined us after a lengthy absence.  Other regulars included Andrew, Carlo, Colin, Dinesh, Gary, Jack, Jeff, Kal, Mike, Peter.  Tez took on TEC duty again and brought his son Shamus along.   

Alf and John joined us at the planned morning cuppa stop in Bayles, but my plans fell apart then, as the shop wasn’t open!    It was great to see so many participating and we shortened our rest break.    

Once greetings were done, we rode off east and left the highway after one set of traffic lights.  We then rode some rural orchard and farm country via Mount Evelyn and Wandin East (where one driver simply stopped mid intersection to check navigation options in an 80 zone!) to Yellingbo and then south to Cockatoo.   Even more speed restrictions have been added to that road since I used it late last year, but we still got along at a good clip.  We then took a slight diversion and enjoyed the curves and views of Paternoster Road where a Ford Territory driver showed some great road craft by checking mirrors and pulling over to let us all pass.   Despite one person towing a caravan we still got down to Pakenham at a good clip and then took backroads to Nar Nar Goon and Tynong before riding down to Cora Lynn

where we stopped briefly outside the old dairy and regrouped. 

John T and Alf were waiting for us at Bayles as planned.  After some chat (fuel anxiety was discovered for several riders) and some cool drinks (most carry water) we cut the rest stop short as the shop was closed and rode on south via assorted backroads.  We regrouped again just south of Loch as crossing the highway spread us out a bit. 

Then it was more lovely roads and hills.  The only problem was some loose grit/sand on the road which basically removed grip on the bends.  It looked like cars/trucks had brought it onto the bitumen while cutting corners on tight bends.   Happily, it was very visible, and we all got through safely.    We regrouped again near

Glen Forbes, diverted to get some fuel near Bass

and rode into San Remo for lunch where we made use of the public picnic facilities.

Traffic was moderate on the ride back to Melbourne, but we still got along at a good clip. 

I had a thoroughly enjoyable day and ride.  Thanks to all who came along

Cheers

John Cook