13 June - Warburton

After four straight days of working on the house it was a pleasant surprise this morning to find the good weather was holding out. A bit cool but plenty of sunshine. Headed off to Warburton via Noojee, Powelltown and Yarra Junction. Had lunch at the bakery and a bit of a walk in the main street to get the circulation back into my feet. On the way I was pulled over at Hill End by a lonely looking policeman for a breath test and licence and rego check. On the way back I decided to leave the gloom and wet roads around Noojee and turned towards Neerim South and continued the ride home in the sunshine. What a great day on the bike.

Reached another milestone a couple of days ago - the motorcycle licence is 12 months old and is now unrestricted.

Total Distance 290 km.

5 June - Yarram, Tarra Valley, Mt Tassie

The good weather continued all through last week, but unfortunately a home renovation project was a priority on Thur, Fri and Sat. Despite the weather forecast, the weather this morning looked fine, and with the work finished it was time to take advantage of the sunshine. Decided to repeat a favorite trip - Yarram via Gormandale - with lunch at the bakery in Yarram. This is one of my favorite stops, the food is always great and the service is very friendly. By the time lunch was over the sky was still clear but the wind was picking up so I decided to return via Tarra Valley, Balook and Mt Tassie. The early part of this ride is well sheltered from the wind but by the time I reached Mt Tassie, there were quite strong gusts of wind which continued all the way back home. Still, a very enjoyable ride and no rain whatsoever.

Total Distance 127 km

1 June - Work and Walhalla

Although today was the first day of winter, the weather was ideal for the bike, so once again I rode to work hoping the good weather would continue into the afternoon. After work I rode through Moe, Erica and Rawson to Walhalla. The Walhalla road was quite wet and slippery - the sun had not really penetrated the tree cover - so it was quite a slow and careful trip. Stopped at my usual coffee spot in Walhalla and after a bit of a leg stretch continued on to Traralgon via Tyers. Hope this winter continues to provide plenty of opportunities to 'keep on riding'.

Total Distance 125 km

30 April - South Gippsland

A beautiful winter day and a chance to ride the bike to work and a ride after work. Still a bit of fog on the way in but by the time I reached the power station it was all clear and the sun was shining. The good weather held out and after work I headed out to Warragul and then into the hills toward Korumburra. After a coffee at the bakery in the main street the ride continued through Leongatha, Mirboo Nth, Churchill and home to Traralgon.

Total Distance 200 km.

21 May - Warburton

We returned from our Panama Canal cruise and USA visit to some the most motorcycle unfriendly weather possible. Really hanging out for a ride after a 5 week break but the combination of rain, wind and overcast skies meant the Honda stayed in the garage. Finally last week the rain subsided somewhat and the temperature rose slightly so on with the thermals and out with the bike for a few short rides after work. Then today the weather looked perfect and after overcoming the strong feeling that I needed to do some work around the house I called my mate Marcus and arranged to meet him for a late lunch in Warburton.

The ride, via Willow Grove, Noojee, Powelltown and Yarra Junction took 2 hours and was very enjoyable. Hardly any traffic and the bright sunshine reflecting off the green fields through the old growth forests combined to put a smile on my face for the entire trip. I arrived at the Warburton Bakery first and it wasn't long before I heard the growl of the Ducati Monster approaching in the distance. It was great to catch up with Marcus over coffee and toasted sandwiches and to smoke a couple of cigars I brought back from Acapulco. Against all expectations the good weather held out and the return trip was a gem too with daylight persisting almost all the way back to Traralgon. Another 'golden' day on the bike.

Total Distance 275km.

5 April - Work, Korrumburra, Leongatha, Mirboo Nth

Woke up to another great morning and decided to ride the bike to work. Only had a couple of jobs to do there before I could head off around lunch time. Rode to Warragul before turning into the hills for Korrumburra. I always love this windy and hilly road. It is never busy and always interesting. Bought a coffee and ate my sandwiches sitting in the sun in a nice park and watched the world go by for a while. The return trip was via Leongatha and Mirboo Nth. This will be the last bike ride for a while before we go on holidays.

Total Distance: 208 km

1 April - Work, Trafalgar, Mirboo Nth

Beautiful clear morning when I woke up and decided to ride the bike to work. The good weather held out and after work there was time left for a short ride. Filled the tank at Gunn's Gully BP and then rode to Trafalgar. From there turned towards the Strzelecki's and rode to Mirboo Nth via Thorpdale. Due to the unusually wet summer, the countryside looks magnificent with bright greens replacing the usual brown that prevail at the end of summer. A nice coffee in the garden at Dalliance and then a leisurely ride home through Boolarra Sth and Churchill.

Total distance 130km.