Wonthaggi MKII

For John, our first time leader, it was a very good turnout considering the very foggy start to the day. Rob, an ex-Kiwi stepping back on the bike after a seven year absence, was the only one of the nineteen riders who hadn’t been out with us before!

After the obligatory talk, we headed off down the freeway before turning off at the Tynong exit to make our way to Longwarry and Drouin. Next on to the Korumburra Road towards Topiram, Athlone, Poowong and finally Loch for morning tea. The roads had been quite tricky with wet/dry patches all the way but now were bathed in glorious sunshine, and could only get better.

We enjoyed a very casual stop. Geoff Shugg even took the time to adjust the screen on his V-Strom. Then it was off to Inverloch. We passed through Krowera, Archies Creek and Wonthaggi; twice in-fact, after John missed the turnoff. Then down to Cape Patterson for the run along the coast road to our lunch stop.

After parking the bikes, it was time for the famous Inverloch fish and chips, which didn’t disappoint!

It was very pleasant sitting in the sunshine discussing all the usual topics of tyres, suspension, pirates, and cockies! We also talked about the previous Saturdays 125 kilometre bicycle ride which was a training run for Paul Southwell’s other half Jo who, in July of this year, will cycle from London to Paris in support of The Big Issue. This fundraising event, ‘The Big Ride’, is to raise money to assist homeless people by supporting them to sell street papers, homeless soccer and other ventures.

Jo Southwell and her friend Anne Hayres will cycle from London to Paris in this organized fundraiser. They will cycle 60-90 miles (that’s 100-140 km!) a day, finishing the day before the Tour de France finishes on the Champs-Elysees.

After lunch, time to fill up and head off towards Korumburra. But that’s as far as I went with Ron taking over the rear riding while I headed to my daughter’s for afternoon tea.

Thanks to John for leading.

Ian Payne