Another perfect winter day for riding around Melbourne.  After two foggy mornings, the sun was shining brightly this morning and just over 20 of us gathered at Lilydale to make the most of it.  I won’t mention the zero overnight temperature. 

It was great to see some more “new faces” including members from other branches including several “locals” from Yarra Ranges.  Others rode over an hour from beyond the Westgate Bridge to join us. 

Ian Taylor volunteered to do TEC duty again and he handled it with aplomb all day.  Greetings and introductions took a bit longer than usual and we rode off shortly after 10.00AM in beautiful sunshine.  

We kept it simple and followed the highway out to Coldstream and turned up the Melba towards Yarra Glen and … the fog set in ..,. and .. the temperature dropped!  Happily that lifted as we approached Yarra Glen where we skirted around the back of town and the climbed Buttermans Track and enjoyed great views across towards St Andrews.  I think I’d have gotten into trouble if I’d stopped to take photos, but it was lovely.  The road was also quite challenging with wet surfaces on shaded corners, varying visibility and oncoming vehicles.  We continued via more back roads via Nutfield and Arthurs Creek to Whittlesea and on to Flowerdale where we stopped at Boots 'n Bobs for a cuppa and rest break.

They were already quite busy, very welcoming and got in an extra staff member to get us served efficiently. 

We then rode through Strath Creek and stopped in to take in the view (which was great) at Murchison Gap. 

Then on via Broadford (a quick fuel stop for one)

and on though Tallarook via Sugarloaf Creek and into Yea for our lunch stop. 

After a leisurely break and chat quite a number followed me via Murrundindi (again I would have liked to stop for  a photo) and down the Melba to Yarra Glen.

I thoroughly enjoyed the riding and camaraderie (including meeting new people) and will add that we generally had zero traffic issues and that also made the riding more enjoyable.  

Many thanks to all who came along and made it such a great day.

The ride was also a great reminder that we make all Ulysseans and prospective Ulysseans welcome on our branch rides.  Despite not having large numbers of people in the branch, we do our very best to schedule a ride every Sunday from somewhere around Melbourne.  Inclusiveness is the key.     

Next week’s ride will be led by Peter from Officer to the Yarra Valley.  He has been doing extensive route planning so let’s support his efforts. 

Cheers  John Cook