September 2005                             MSTCV Itinerary

 

Sunday 4th       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.

 

Weekend        Dargo  via Licola                                                                              Paul Southwell leading

10th & 11th      10 am Berwick

Places are filling fast so give Paul a call to confirm your booking. The proposed route is head for Moe and Heyfield and then up the magnificent Licola road. Then back to Maffra before picking up the final 70 km of twisties into Dargo where we will share a cabin or two for the night. Next day will see us venture deep into Gippsland on our return to Melbourne. This ride will not suit inexperienced riders due to the sustained technical (ie dangerous, unforgiving) nature of the roads. Tyre wear will be ferocious, particularly on the Dargo road with its very abrasive surface. Near new tyres are a must. Expect around 900 km for the weekend.

 

Sunday 11th    Marysville                                                                                                Ian Payne leading                       10 am Yarra Glen

While the rest of the troops are gallivanting around the countryside, Ian will lead a short ride to Marysville. Of course, this is a thinly veiled Reefton Spur ride.  Opportunities abound but if I were to hazard a guess on the route I would suggest up and down Myer and Chum Creek Roads and then across to Warburton for morning tea around 11.15 am after 90 km. Then up the Reefton Spur to Cumberland Junction and back to Marysville for a leisurely lunch and break-up. Expect around 200 km for the day.

 

Sunday 18th     Loch                                                                                                      Paul Grosser leading

                        10 am Berwick

Paul will lead us on a devious route, first stop Loch Café as per usual, but this time via Labertouche, Jindavick, Neerim South and Drouin. Then we’ll continue south towards Wonthaggi and make a loop back to Loch for late lunch. The weather and stamina of the group will dictate what happens next but expect to head back towards Warragul and then run parallel to the highway breaking up at Longwarry near the Freeway. Expect around 270 km for the day. This ride will not suit inexperienced or first time Club riders. Gippsland roads are at best unreliable and at worst treacherous, gravel, pot holes and bumps, wayward farmers, tourists and animals regularly encountered. But the rewards are great. Be there.

 

Sunday 25th     Strathbogie                                                                                            Ern Reeders leading

                        10 am Whittlesea

It is interesting country around Strathbogie, the roads meandering through low lying hills north of the Great Divide, the climate inherently warmer than south. Lots of wine growing country and mixed farms.  We will venture up to Highlands via Flowerdale and Strath Creek and on to Yarck via back roads for first stop after 134 km. A bit of Highway to Merton, then north to Strathbogie and on to Euroa for lunch and fuel after 198 km total. After lunch we’ll head back to Whittlesea via Violet Town, Strathbogie and Yea.  Rarely travelled roads. Take the opportunity to experience the tour. Expect around 395 km for the day.

 

Thurs.  1st   Oct.          Social Sip, 7 pm Mark’s Place, cnr Grattan &Swanston Sts, Carlton, Mels 2B E8

Cheap food and drink ($10 for a pizza and drink), lots of good company – 20 people last month – 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, etc.  Collect your mag and catch up on the gossip. Early night.