24 October 2010 Ulysses Ride to Briagolong Pub

The monthly club ride for October was on today and the destination was the Briagolong pub for lunch.
Quite a nice day and about 15 bikes participated. It was a good chance to give the bike a good test run after the 12,000 km service and it purred like a kitten. Our ride leader took us for morning coffee in Heyfield where we were encouraged to try the apparently world famous sausage rolls. Less than an hour to go to lunch but I suppose one couldn't hurt. They were very good. The trip then continued past the Lake Glenmaggie dam wall and over the McAllister river and then on to Briagolong. The food at the pub was very good and delivered in an orderly fashion. The ride home was via Maffra - must stop here and check out the cafes one day - Cowarr and Toongabbie and then Traralgon. A great ride enjoyed by all. Now it's only four sleeps before the long weekend ride to Bright.

Total Distance 207 km.

20 October 2010 - Carrum Downs

Had an appointment today with our financial adviser in Carrum Downs. As the weather forecast looked promising the bike seemed like a good way to go. Followed the highway as far as Drouin and then followed the back roads through Longwarry, Bunyip, Garfield, Tynong and Cranbourne. Return trip through Berwick and the Princes Highway. Lunch at Coco's Cafe in Yarragon provided a pleasant break It was a popular choice with a few other riders and we ended up admiring each other's bikes and swapping stories. Left at 8:15 and home by 14:00. The bike goes in for its 12,000 km service on Friday, prior to a five day trip to Bright over the Melbourne Cup weekend.

Total Distance 295 km.

19 October 2010 - Moe, Trafalgar, Thorpdale

A fine afternoon and the lure of road was too much. Dropped off some DVD's to Luke in Moe and then on to Trafalgar for afternoon coffee at the Roseberry Cafe. The long and winding road up to Thorpdale was fun as always and then home via Yinnar and Hazelwood.

Total Distance 115 km.

14 October 2010 - Walhalla

Another great afternoon despite the weather forecast. Took a leisurely ride up to Walhalla. The town was very quiet - only one other couple visiting. Relaxed in the sunshine for a while before heading back. Another great afternoon on the Honda.

Total distance 101 km.

12 October 2010 - Yarram and Strzeleckis

Finished all my chores by mid afternoon and despite forecasts for rain the weather was fine and mild. Irresistible. Topped up the tank on the Honda and headed to Yarram. Hardly any traffic and and the ride was pure pleasure. Can't believe that only five weeks ago I would have needed thermal underwear, fur lined boots and grip heaters. The return trip was the usual magnificent run through Tarra Valley and Mount Tassie. At that time of the afternoon it was sheer magic. Called in to La Porchetta to pick up dinner on the way home.

Total Distance 125km.

11 October 2010 - Back from Queensland

Arrived back from a caravan trip to Queensland today. Had a great time but in the last few days the weather outlook on the Sunshine and Gold coast was starting to look grim and so we left Saturday morning. That turned out to be a great decision as we barely missed out on storms and massive rainfalls. Once we got moving we kept driving and after overnights at Lemon Tree Passage and Bombala we arrived home at lunch time. The weather in Traralgon was fine and balmy so after the caravan was cleaned and parked in the backyard  I fired up the Honda for a long overdue ride. Only had time for a quicky which was a run to Rawson via Glengarry and Tyers. Felt great after a five week absence.

Total Distance 82 km.