August 2005 MSTCV Itinerary

Sunday 7^th Mirboo North Ben Warden leading

10 am Berwick

Back roads parallel to the highway to Drouin before turning south with ever improving roads to Poowong and Loch for first food stop and fuel after 110 km. Then back to Poowong, across to Ranceby and the Arawata dirt to Dumbalk, Boolarra South and Mirboo North for second food stop. People often run low on fuel on this leg. A loop around the high speed sweeper section to Leongatha, Hallston and back to Mirboo north for a regroup. Then north towards Trafalgar via Thorpdale with plenty of options at this point depending on conditions and riders’ fitness. Big ride. Not for the feint hearted – don’t bring a first timer. Tyres – must be good, or else bring plenty of tape! Expect around 450 km for the day.

Sunday 14^th Dams Ride leader required

10 am Berwick

As the caption notes, a leader is required for this ride. Cardinia, Silvan, Upper Yarra Dam, Maroondah, and Sugarloaf Reservoir would be the basic route. Obviously the ride can include the Reefton and Black Spurs but not necessarily so if the weather turns nasty. A more adventurous leader might incorporate Tarago Reservoir (near Neerim South) or even Blue Lake near Willow Grove. Lots of options.

Sunday 21^st Trentham Falls Counter Lunch Ron Johnston leading

10 am Whittlesea

Flowerdale and Strath Creek roads will get the heart pumping as we make our way westward to Lancefield for morning tea after 115 km. Then up the bumpy Burke and Wills Track to Baynton and back to Kyneton and around the Lauriston Reservoir to Spring Hill, Little Hampton and Trentham falls which should be flowing well at this time of year. Then onto the pub for a hearty and hot lunch around 1.30 pm. After a leisurely lunch we’ll make our way back to Melbourne via Greendale, Bacchus Marsh and Toolern Vale to finish at Diggers Rest. Expect about 350 km for the day.

Sunday 28^th Walhalla Nigel Hellyer leading

10 am Berwick

First stop Moe via Longwarry, Drouin West and the Old Sale Road with an option of picking up the Jindivick loop to Neerim South and down through the glorious Crossover sweepers. From Moe we’ll head across to Tyers via Yallourn North and on to Walhalla. Note: no fuel until Erica, on the way out. Great riding to Willow Grove, Icy Creek and Noojee for a regroup and breath catching. Breakup at Yarra Junction after a fairly strenuous ride – not suitable for inexperienced riders. Around 380 km for the day.

September 2005

Thurs. 1^st General Meeting, Club Hall, Theatrette, Inglesby Road Camberwell, Mels Ref. 59J2

We are looking for a guest speaker – not necessarily motorcycle related, though that is the one thing we all have in common – just an entertaining speaker would suffice. Any volunteers? Or if you can suggest someone, any help appreciated. Otherwise we will look at the last four months of rides on the big screen after conducting our thrice yearly formal meeting where any grievances can be aired, opinions expressed, ideas expanded upon. Catch up with the gossip with your mates in a friendly, comfortable setting.

Sunday 4^th Castlemaine Rob Langer leading

10 am Whittlesea

Join Rob on his trusty R1150GS for a tour through the western volcanic regions. Morning tea at Broadford after 70 km of the best roads before pushing on to Castlemaine via Pyalong, Emu Flat (500 metres of hard packed dirt), Mia Mia and Sutton Grange. Note: there are a few alternatives on this section. After a leisurely lunch we’ll head south on interesting roads through Chewton and Vaughan popping out on the heavily policed Highway at Guildford but quickly off it again as we head for Strangways and Daylesford and then across to Woodend after another 110 km. Then it is just a hop, skip, and jump to Whittlesea (70 km) via Romsey and Wallan with a smidge of Mt Macedon and the now discredited Straws Lane – famous for cars rolling uphill. Expect around 415 km for the day.