Sunday, August 26, 2012

26 August - Ulysses Monthly Ride


Looked out the window this morning and it was not a day I would normally choose to go riding, but the monthly Ulysses Club ride started at 10:00 and as a sign of solidarity I decided to go despite bleak looking skies and gusty winds. When I arrived at the Great Australian Icecreamery, our rendezvous point I was surprised to see about 10 bikes already there. The destination for today was Walhalla which is only a 40 minute ride so I assumed that Bill our ride leader had plans for a longer ride. How about Walhalla via Mirboo North? Yep! up to Mirboo Nth (via Boolarra) for morning coffee at Dalliance. By then the sky was black in all directions and rain seemed certain as we headed off to Moe via Thorpdale and then on to Walhalla. The rain didn't really eventuate and the temperature didn't drop much below 12 degC so not unpleasant really. By the time we reached Walhalla the sky was blue and we sat in a little park eating our lunch. So a really interesting ride, given the road conditions, recent rain, mud and cowshit on the roads combined with quite a strong wind the day was more like an advanced rider course than an outing, but enjoyable none the less.

Total Distance 216 km.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

11 August - Dandenongs


Woke up to quite an overcast and chilly day but decided to risk a ride anyway. Had the Beamer serviced yesterday (10,000km) and keen to give it a run. Rode to the Dandenongs via Pakenham, Cockatoo and Monbulk and had lunch in a cafe in Olinda. After lunch I popped into Pie in the Sky to pick up some essentials (Apple and rhubarb crumbles) for desert tonight. The food in this place is outstanding. I'm dying to try the Beef Rendang Pie - maybe next trip. By the time I left Olinda it was drizzling so, on with the wet weather gear which once again worked a treat - the rain stopped immediately. The return trip was via a meandering route through the hills and joined the highway again at Pakenham. 

Total Distance 303 km.

Friday, August 3, 2012

2 August - Warburton

It's been a while since the last ride due to a range of other commitments and some shitty weather. It didn't look to bad this morning although the temperature was only 5.5 degC. Set off at 10:30 for a ride to Warburton and lunch at Three Sugars. The temperature did not rise above 11 degC at any part of the day so the wood fire at the cafe was very welcome. Home by 3:30 after a chilly but enjoyable day.

Total distance 295 km.