October 2005 MSTCV Itinerary

Sunday 9^th Heathcote Paul Southwell leading

10 am Whittlesea

First stop Seymour via the usual excellent roads through Flowerdale, Strath Creek, and Highlands for morning tea. Then across to Pyalong, Emu Flat and up to Redesdale on the bumpy Burke and Wills Rd, on to Mia Mia and Heathcote for lunch. After a leisurely bite to eat and depending on the weather, we’ll ride down the highway for 17 km to Tooborac and onto the Lancefield Rd, then right at Emu Flat and across to Burke and Wills and down to Lancefield, then back to Pyalong and on to Broadford with options of directly to Whittlesea but more likely Strath Creek and break up at Kinglake West. Fantastic ride of about 350 km duration. Expect tyre wear to be severe. May not suit inexperienced riders.

Sunday 16^th Moto GP BBQ Ben Warden leading

10 am Berwick

The plan is to go for a short (200 km) ride finishing at the Langer residence (390 Burwood Hwy Burwood) for a BBQ at 1 pm and watch the GP on TV. From Berwick we’ll work our way east parallel to the Princes Highway crossing over at Longwarry and heading for Labertouche and Jindavick, rejoining the main road at Neerim South. A detour through Neerim East and another through Nayook will see us avoiding the now very “dangerous” Warragul Noojee road, picking up the Powelltown Road and more twisties. Then a fairly long commute back to Rob’s for a well earned BBQ lunch, catching up with members who have made their way directly. Give Rob a call (9888-8977) to facilitate catering.

Sunday 23^rd Acheron Way Martin Hastie leading

10 am Yarra Glen

The Acheron Way is the link road between Mt Donna Buang and Narbethong. It is not made all the way through yet but when it is, it will provide another great loop similar to the Reefton Spur. In the interim, we will travel up from the Narbethong end only as far as the dirt, then return. But to get there we’ll head out of Yarra Glen and across to Healesville, up Chum Creek Road to Toolangi and back down Myers Creek Rd to Healesville before crossing the fabled Black Spur to Narbethong. After the loop up the Acheron way we’ll make our way to Marysville for morning tea at the Bakery. Next stop Warburton via the Reefton Spur for lunch. Depending on the weather and general feeling, a 40 km ride up Mt Donna Buang and back is scheduled with break-up at Warburton. Expect around 250 km for the day.

Melbourne Cup Weekend, Towong B&B (Corryong) Ben Warden leading

Saturday 29th to Tuesday 1st November Booking essential. (see elsewhere for more details)

9.30 am Yarck

Sunday 30^th Pyalong Ian Payne leading

10 am Whittlesea

With Ian out of the country enjoying the delights of Malaysia, I’ll make an educated guess on the route. Chances are we’ll head to Flowerdale and Strath Creek, then north to Trawool, Tallarook and Pyalong before morning tea in Lancefield after 115 km. Many options abound from here. One possibility is up to Emu Flat and back across to Pyalong, then Seymour, Highlands and Yea for second food stop. Break up at Kinglake West. A short ride. Of course the second hop could loop through Daylesford via Kyneton and Spring Hill and then back to Whittlesea via Woodend and Romsey. From Daylesford we could also head down through Trentham and Blackwood before making our way back across to Diggers Rest via Bacchus Marsh. So many good roads! Expect around 300 easy km for the day.

November

Thurs. 3^rd Social Sip, 7 pm Mark’s Place

corner Grattan and Swanston Sts, Carlton, Melways 2B E8

Cheap food and drink ($10 for a pizza and drink), lots of good company and lots of distractions, whether on the big screens, juke box or sporting memorabilia adorning the walls. Take your time and check out the pictures. Collect your magazine and catch up on the gossip. All over by 10 pm.