Sunday 10^th Cockatoo (short ride) Ron Johnston leading 10.30 am Yarra Glen

Ron lives at the base of the Dandenongs and seems to spend his spare time searching for all the most interesting and twisty roads in the vicinity. Last Dandenongs ride we went around and around in circles until someone got dizzy and fell off. This time the ride will include some of the great, open sweeping roads in the area. Never far from home, expect around 200 km for the day.

Sunday 17^th Loch Mk II Geoff Barton leading

For the newer members, Geoff’s postal address is Soldiers Rd Loch. And he’s a dairy farmer. Fair chance he knows the roads like the back of his hand. And he does. What’s even better is that he does so many kilometres: it is never more than a week or so, it seems, since he last went down a road, and hence he knows the conditions and so can pick a route without roadworks, and with the least number of bumps. Ideal for sports bikes! Add in the best roads close to Melbourne, relatively safe, scenic ocean views and rolling hills, and you have all the ingredients for a great ride. Expect around 400 km for the day, depending on where you start from. Not suitable for inexperienced riders.

Thurs. 21^st Social Sip 7 pm Blackburn Hotel, 111 Whitehorse Rd Blackburn Last time at the old venue. (Note: white card itinerary says 14^th, one week too early. It is a mistake.)

Sunday 20^th Reefton Spur Danny Kosinski leading

9.30 am KBCP, 10.30 am Yarra Glen

Danny practices on the Reefton Spur, going for a quick blat after work every now and again. He’s quick, and with the first set of decent tyres I have ever seen him with, he’s even quicker. Come and marvel at what is possible on a VFR. Note ride is not suitable for inexperienced riders. Hence ride could include other twisty bits such as Lake Mountain or Mt Donna Buang. Expect around 300 hard, fun packed kilometers for the day.

Sunday 1^st Snake Valley Geoff Jones leading

9.30 am KBCP, 10.30 am Whittlesea

First ride on the new itinerary to a rarely visited destination, Snake Valley. Very interesting area past Ballarat on the Hamilton Highway, not far from Linton. Geoff knows all back roads out this way. The roads are the more open, sweeping type interspersed with narrow (and sometimes bumpy) back roads through undulating hills. Gold mining country. Expect around 400 km for the day, way out west.

Thurs. 5^th General Meeting, 8.15 pm Club Hall

Sunday 8^th Maldon Steam Train Ian Payne leading

9.30 am KBCP, 10.30 am Whittlesea

Meet the train at 1 pm. Costs about $5 (about a fifth of Puffing Billy price) to ride on this magnificently restored train. Throw in a historical heritage town, maybe the lookout tower, and you have an interesting destination. Combine this with Ian’s skills at finding the right roads and you have the makings of an action packed ride. Expect an easy 350 km for the day. Suit pillions.