Meredith Mk II

Meredith, the itinerary stated. The weatherman said only possible showers. Jeff Jones was leading. All the right ingredients for a good ride, I thought. From Geoff’s riders brief we learnt that the first stop would be Meredith, then on to (maybe) Trentham for lunch and then a finish at Kinglake West/Whittlesea. Geoff was concerned about two things: (i) the weather turning pear-shaped and, (ii) the recent publicity about young drivers being booked for extreme speeds, resulting in the local tax collectors being out in force.

The run down the Geelong Freeway was pleasant enough, while the run across to Mt Wallace via some excellent open roads with a burst of twisties through the Brisbane Ranges down to Anakie only served to whet our appetites. Around Maude we caught-up with a dozen or so Porsches. Nice looking cars, pity about their driving skills! Warning: when passing that many Porsches, guard your radiator well. Before Matt got to Meredith he had holed his radiator and when we passed them again an hour or so later, I holed my radiator. Car god’s two, bike god’s zero.

Affecting a repair to Matt’s bike in quick time, never to let a small hole stop us, we headed for Trentham via Blackwood. Love that bit of road. Trentham proved to be cold, drizzly and not far enough in front of the Porsche’s. It was decided Kyneton for lunch, as we have only travelled 70 km. Another section of brilliant roads and lovely scenery. The Kyneton Bakery served excellent food while Nigel provided the entertainment with a very funny rendition of the classic Australian short story “The Imploding (very hot) Pie”.

At Lancefield we took on fuel and (temporarily) fixed my radiator. From Lancefield the roads were in great shape and it was a pleasure to ride on the ‘black stuff’ that was not only dry, but had some warmth in it. Looks like spring is finally here.

Soon we were heading for Pyalong, then Broadford, Strath Creek, Flowerdale, Kinglake West and down into Whittlesea for final goodbyes. Wayne recalled how he spotted an emu in a paddock and tried to point it out to his pillion wife, Joanne. The wind caught his arm and nearly swept her off the bike. Note: this can happen when riding a few kays above the limit.

Thank you Geoff Jones for a great 400 (plus) kays of pure pleasure.

Post ride note: I removed the radiator from my Honda Sunday night and took it to a local radiator specialist on Monday morning and picked it up that evening, all for a paltry $45. Thank you Greg Hales for recommending Central Radiator Centre, Fairfield, 9846 1553.

Paul Southwell (Honda CBR954)