22 July - Cowes, Phillip Island

Rode to Cowes with Zane today. Our route took us over the Strzeleckis via Ellinbank and Korumburra where we stopped to top up the tank on Zane's Kawasaki. Then through the beautiful Sth Gippsland countryside to the Bass Highway via Kongwak. We left Traralgon in sunshine but by the time we crossed the hills the clouds were down at road level. A very eerie sensation riding along a really windy road through fog. Finally, about 5km out of Korumburra the fog cleared and we could see black clouds to the south but signs of blue sky in the direction of Phillip Island. By the time we reached San Remo, the sun was shining and in Cowes you would have thought it was a summer day. Had lunch at Gulliver's Eatery in front of an open fire which was very pleasant. After our rest in front of the fire we were off again to take the coastal drive between Cape Patterson and Inverloch - great views and the weather was still holding out. Eventually after another fuel stop in Inverloch it was time to head for home via Leongatha, Mirboo Nth, Boolarra and Churchill. Another pleasant day out on the bike. I've just passed the 9000 km mark on the Beemer so it will be due for a service soon.

Total Distance 330 km.

8 July - Warburton

Met Zane at the BP service station in Mid Valley this morning. Even at 10 am the fog was so thick, I nearly ran into the back of a car - visibility less than 5m. Quite cold too, by the time we reached Warragul the fog had lifted but the temperature was down to 2.5 deg. Rode to Warburton via Powelltown and Yarra Junction and had a great lunch at our usual cafe - Three Sugars. Got a table right next to a blazing wood heater. Decided to try a different route on the way home which was to turn off in Launching Place towards Gembrook and from there to Pakenham and home along the highway. By this afternoon the temperature was a 'balmy' 13 deg. Got home around 3 pm.

Total Distance 295km.

3 July - South Gippsland

Cold and and a bit drizzly, but it was time for a ride regardless of conditions. The original plan was to ride to Warburton for lunch but by the time I got to the turn off at Warragul, the sky in that direction looked very black, while to the south it looked sunny. Turned off at Drouin and rode through Longwarry, Bayes and Koo Wee Rup. Turned eastward on the South Gippsland Highway and rode to Korumburra. Had lunch at the very good bakery there before riding home through Leongatha, Mirboo North and Morwell. In the end I managed to avoid all but the briefest shower, and enjoyed a fine ride.

Total Distance 260 km.