27 November - Noojee

The weather did not look inviting this morning but a look at the radar showed no sign of rain for over 500km. Zane and I left Traralgon this morning on our Kawasaki's and took to the road through Willow Grove and Hill End to Noojee. At the Willow Grove turn off we ran into a large group coming up from Moe and also heading to Willow Grove and beyond. There were about 25 assorted bikes altogether including some genuine classics like BSA and Indian. We ended up attaching ourselves to the end of this group - no alternative really and rode through the rain forest to Noojee. There were lots of signs of recent wild weather including uprooted trees. Our plan in Noojee was to call in to the Red Parrot for lunch but the large group ahead of us had the same idea and so we rode to The Toolshed instead. Had a leisurely lunch here - very nice - and enjoyed a huge open fire - not that we needed it. Our return trip was through Neerim South and various back roads leading ultimately past Yallourn Power Station and then home.

Total Distance 176 km.

24 November - Cowes, Phillip Island

A day off today and not a cloud in the sky. Time for a long ride on the Honda. Rode via Mirboo North, Leongatha, Inverloch and Wonthaggi to Phillip Island. The first stop was the Visitor Center at the PI Race Track which was very interesting. There is a museum and a tour of the track facilities available which I'll definitely do when there's more time. From here it is only a short ride to Cowes for lunch at Mad Cowes and a stroll along the foreshore. Cowes was not really busy but quite a few people were enjoying the fine weather at cafes and in the parks. The trip home was through Archies Creek, Kongwak, Korrumburra and Yarragon. Later in the afternoon the wind came up but altogether a most enjoyable ride.

Total Distance 352 km.

19 November - It Never Rains but it Pours

During the week Zane and I had planned to ride our KLX's to Port Albert for fish and chips - the long way through Mirboo Nth, Meenyian, Welshpool etc. The forecast was for steady rain but at 09:00 it was still dry so we decided to proceed. Clad in our wet weather gear we enjoyed another 10 minutes of dry before it started bucketing down. Stopped for coffee at the Bullock Dray in Mirboo Nth, and despite the fact that it was raining steadily we decided to push on. On to Meenyian and then Foster where we stopped for fuel - the KLX's have a small tank. By now the rain was down to a light drizzle which was a huge improvement, and by the time we reached Port Albert it had all but stopped. The fish and chips from "Wild Fish" were superb as always, and by the time we reached Yarram we were looking forward to a dry trip home - that is if you ignore the water which was now sloshing inside my boots. A quick stop at the Yarram Bakery Cafe to stock up on essential items and then a trip home through Tarra Valley and Balook. Despite the weather we both enjoyed the ride, but it was nice to get out of the sodden gear and into a hot bath.

Total Distance 245km.

18 November - Cowarr, Rosedale, Gormandale

Just a quick ride on the Honda today. A light lunch at the Cricket Club Hotel in Cowarr, which is being refurbished and now features a 'fine dining' restaurant. Then from Cowarr to Rosedale and then to Gormandale via Hiamdale. This road skirts the Holly Plains State park and also follows the route of the Bass Link transmission line for a while. A really quiet nice ride.

Total Distance 101 km.

5 November - Dargo

The forecast for today was sunny and 30 degC. Already had a ride to Dargo with Zane arranged but at the last moment Zane had to work instead. So, despite a sore throat and a hacking cough I cranked up the Honda and headed for the high country. This was my first trip ever to Dargo and I was not disappointed. After coffee and fuel in Stratford the route was along the Princes Highway for another 20km before turning off to the Dargo Road. After travelling through delightfully green farming country for a while the road steadily begins to climb and before long becomes very windy. I was reminded to slow down when the footpegs started scraping at every turn. Quite a few other motorcyclists had the same idea and some 20km out of Dargo I ran into the tail end of a bicycle race. In Dargo I sat on the verandah of the General Store and ate my ham and cheese sandwich before pointing the bike back to Traralgon for a delightful ride home.

Total Distance 350 km.