27 October - Walhalla

Not great bike weather today but I wanted to try out my new Strike Genius waterproof GPS unit.
My last unit was damaged beyond repair when the mount disintegrated at about 100 kph. I managed to catch it and thought it was OK, but when I got home, the screen was shattered. After a bit of research I decided on the Strike unit and I'm very happy with my choice. I'll find out how good the waterproofing is the next time I ride in the rain. So, off for a quick ride to Walhalla. Fortunately the longer I rode the better the weather got and by the time I reached my destination it was fine and sunny and there were people everywhere.

Had a very nice lunch and a coffee at the usual spot and chatted about motorbikes with a couple of guys who came over for a closer look at the BMW.

Total Distance 105km.

19 October - Cowes, PI

The forecast was for a warm sunny day today so the plan was a 10:00 start and a ride to Cowes, Philip Island. Actually the start of the ride was quite cool and somewhat gusty and overcast and for a while I considered shortening it but as I reached Leongatha the skies cleared and the temperature rose into the twenties which was encouraging. From here on it was a lovely ride which culminated with lunch at Gullivers in Cowes. The return trip was via Archies Creek and Kongwak and Korumburra where the bakery (coffee and apricot slice) beckoned - also a half hour stop here gave the bum a chance to recover a bit. The great weather continued for the rest of the day through Leongatha, Mirboo North etc. An oldie but a goodie.

Total distance 330 km.

14 October - Warburton

We've just returned from a five week caravan trip to Queensland ( see www.theoandrosa.blogspot.com)  which means no motorcycling for about 6 weeks. Today promised to be a nice day and so I was pleased when the Beemer started first try. Had an absolutely glorious ride to Warburton via Nilma, Powelltown and Yarra Junction and a great lunch at Three Sugars. The weather just seemed to improve as the day wore on and the ride home was even better. Called in to take a look at Blue Rock Dam which is currently overflowing. I took the opportunity to try out the new Panorama feature which was included in the latest iPhone IOS6 update. You simply scan the camera from left to right and it will automatically save it as a panoramic shot. I hope the same feature will be added to all cameras soon - it works a treat. Got home just before 4pm after a very enjoyable ride.

Total Distance 280 km.