MSR Itinerary April 2008
Sunday 6th Eildon via Torbreck River Peter Jones leading
10 am Yarra Glen
Peter has planned a regulation ride for his first lead with no surprises. From Yarra Glen we’ll do the usual Chum Creek and Myers Creeks roads to Healesville, followed by the Black Spur and Marysville for first stop and a splash of fuel for thirsty Suzukis and VTRs. Then on to Buxton and Taggerty, looking out marked police bikes on this highway section before reaching Taggerty and the Jamieson Road turnoff. Here the twisties begin in earnest with 37 km of uninterrupted corners. Look out for deer hunters along here. We continue till the end of the bitumen, regrouping just over the last bridge. The return trip is back along the same road, now with more confidence, and in to Eildon for lunch. After lunch we’ll head across the spectacular Skyline Road through Fraser National Park down to Alexandra, then around to Merton and Yea before the final fling to Kinglake West across Junction Hill. Expect around 350 km for the day.
The Ride will not suit inexperienced riders; it is not recommended for first time Club riders.
Sat. 12th Dargo via Licola Paul Southwell leading
10 am Berwick
This is an overnight ride with shared accommodation at the Dargo Inn at $75 per person per night. The tariff includes breakfast and main meal. Ian Payne will lead us from Berwick on the first day because Paul is attending the Sandown Ride Day and will catch up with us later that night. Route includes a trip into Licola and back to check out the bush fire and flood ravaged countryside. These roads are very abrasive and very twisty, a certain combination leading to extreme tyre wear. Hence good tyres are mandatory. To secure a bed deposit $40 into the Club coffers. Expect around 750 km for the weekend.
Sun 13th Euroa leader required
10 am Whittlesea
Ern Reeders was initially down to lead this one but due to licence points pressure has opted to ride sparingly. Hence, a leader is still required. A possible route is Flowerdale, Strath Creek, Broadford, Glenaroua and Seymour for morning tea. Then on to Highlands, Caveat, Gobur, Merton, Strathbogie and Euroa for late lunch at the servo. The return route could be up to Violet Town, down through Boho and back to Strathbogie, Caveat, Highlands, Yea (regroup) and Kinglake West. Expect around 400 km for the day with a select group of riders as a few of the regular riders will be sampling Dargo and central Gippsland wares. If anyone would like assistance in planning with maps, etc, contact Ben.
Sun 20th Walhalla Trevor Harris leading 10 am Yarra Glen
In Trevor’s words: “Leaving Yarra Glen it's the direct route to Healesville and then on to Don Valley; a quick zig-zag to Parkinsons Road and we come out at Gladysdale. Right to Powelltown and Noojee for a regroup and rest (Note: no fuel available here). Then on to Moe for fuel and the lunch stop - bakeries, SubWay, etc. Next Tyers, turning left to head along some nice open roads to Walhalla. After getting bailed up by the Old Folks ("I had a Triumph when I was your age...") we will then - if the day suits - head out to the Thompson Dam to check on Melbourne's primary water storage. Either way, it's back to Moe for fuel, then via the Old Sale Road to Jindivick and Longwarry North where we’ll break up near the Princes freeway. And then home! Around 350 km.”
Friday 25th Grand Ridge Road, Gippsland Ben Warden leading
10 am Berwick
If you are not supporting the ANZAC Day Parade down Swanston St to the war memorial shrine on this public holiday, come for a ride exploring Gippsland generally following the Grand Ridge Road until it becomes dirt around Boolarra South. Ride will follow usual Sunday ride format but with an exploratory bent. So don’t be surprised if we check out a few roads and see if they have been tarred – and obviously resulting in more U-turns than usual. Expect around 380 km for the day.
Sunday 27th Gembrook Ian Payne leading
10 am Berwick
From Berwick we’ll head the usual way down to Longwarry North and pick up the Jindivick Road to Neerim South for morning tea. After a leisurely stop we’ll proceed east through Crossover towards Moe on the Old Sale Road picking up the road north to Willow Grove and back to Icy Creek and Noojee. Depending on time, we’ll probably push on to Powelltown and Hoddles Creek to regroup at Gembrook for a late lunch. Unless you are familiar with the area, like Ian is, there is not much point in describing the route other than to say Ian will pick the eyes out of the best roads in the area passing through places such as Emerald, Yellingbo, Macclesfield and Upper Pakenham. We’ll finish near Hallam after 250 km of interesting and varied roads, often travelled in the reverse direction. You won’t be bored.
May 2008
Thurs. 1st Annual General Meeting
6.30 pm Tower Hotel, 686 Burwood
Road, Hawthorn East (corner of Burwood and Camberwell Roads
We have booked the "free" private meeting room, conditional on us
eating there. Special meal price, main plus pot $15. (Specifically: Parma & pot/soft drink; pasta plus drink, roast plus drink, fish plus drink - all $15
ea). Otherwise pizza $10 through to steaks at $29.
So, save your Club money and come and have a meal followed by a quick formal meeting. Collect your magazine, catch up with the gossip, see your mates.
Sunday 2nd Reefton Pub Counter Lunch Dave Ward leading
10 am Yarra Glen
This is a short ride finishing at the Pub for lunch. The route is up and down Chum and Myers Creek Roads to Healesville, then across the famous Black Spur to Narbethong and Marysville for a coffee and a splash of fuel. After the break we may visit Lake Mountain if the weather, road conditions and time are on our side, otherwise directly over the Reefton Spur to lunch at the Reefton Pub around 1.30 pm. Expect around 180 km of fine roads for the day. Running late? Meet us at the pub.