Nagambie – Goulburn Weir                   Monday 13th  June 2011

Willem Vandeveld

Honda ST1300

Cliff Peters

Kawasaki ZX12R

Misho Zrakic/Pina Garasi

Honda CBR1000

John Willis

Kawasaki ZX1000

Tony Stegmar

Honda CBR1000

Roman Biaroza

Kawasaki GPx250

Paul Southwell

Honda CBR1000

Phill Hotschilt

Suzuki GSX13000

Michael Balshunou (2nd ride)

Honda CBR1000

Duane Rafferty

Suzuki GSXR1000

Ben Warden 

Honda CBR954

Cindy Lee

Suzki GSXR750

Dave Chisma

BMW F800ST

Marc Marais

Triumph 675

 

I’d originally planned to do an overnight ride on the Sunday and Monday (13th) with some friends but that fell through leaving me thinking I’ll be missing out with only one ride planned for the long weekend – that being the Sunday 12th ride. I was more than pleasantly surprised to hear that there was another ride on the Monday. A long weekend of riding bliss; what more could one ask for? I spend quality time with my son on Saturday, did the MSR Sunday ride and (feeling slightly guilty about sneaking another ride in on the weekend) woke up Monday morning, made the family some pancakes, cleaned up (that should put me in credit for a while) and set off with a clear conscience.

It was off to the meet point at Whittlesea again – Sunday’s ride left from here too - which meant a long slog on the freeways from home. This time it wasn’t as cold as Sunday - or as foggy. It was looking to be great day out and the weather was looking like it was going to play along too.

After the usual pre-ride formalities we headed off towards Flowerdale. I was looking forward to the fast sweepers going up the hill but as we approached we turned left off the main road. Ben was hoping to visit Toorourrong Reservoir but the gate was closed, a sign indicating the road still unrepaired from the Black Saturday fire damage. So we returned to the main road.

I was expecting to get back onto those nice sweepers but it was not to be. Instead we headed up the Humevale Road, a bumpy, suspension-punishing, kidney-busting track up the side of the mountain. It joins up with the Whittlesea-Kinglake Road. I’d always wondered where this little track went and now that I know where, there’s no need to revisit it!

The road to Flowerdale was once again a pleasant one, dry for the most part and with those nice sweepers going down. We had some fog at the next decent section of the road – Junction hill - with a bit of wet road and the unnerving signs warning the area is prone to ice on the roads. I backed off a bit, even though this is another of my favourite parts of this road, to be on the safe side.

A few kilometres before Yea, Ben turned left and took us off to the west. The intersection was difficult to see and just over a crest. Ben was in front (being the leader), with John and Misho behind him. At the last second Ben saw the turn and hit the brakes. Misho and John overshot – slammed on the brakes, leaving a ‘cager’ quite upset at having to brake hard too, particularly  after just being overtaken by the bikes. I marked this corner while Misho, Ben and John continued on. More riders overshot the corner even though I waved my hands frantically as they came over the crest. (Yes, I did position myself as best I could to be seen).

There was about 6 km of good dirt on this bypass. The surface was hard packed with not much loose gravel.

We rejoined the main road again heading towards Yea before picking up the Highlands road – a challenging road with, as always, stones strewn across some corners.

We ended up at the famous burger place in Seymour and even though it was a bit before lunchtime, most had lunch. ‘Burgers with the lot’ was the most common order and they’re definitely worth it. The plan originally was to stop for lunch outside the station but the bakery has closed down.

After clogging our arteries we headed off to our destination – the Goulburn Weir. But it turned out to be a bit harder to find than expected. It wasn’t signposted (once we eventually found it), after a few U-turns including up to Murchison to fill up before going to look for it again. (This was the first fuel stop at around 187 km).

We passed a discretely parked blue camera car just over the bridge heading out of Murchison towards the servo, looking for all the world like a fisherman. I saw it this time! After 8 points in the last few years to bloody cameras, I’ve hopefully learnt to keep my eyes open (the last 3 points was in Tyers – 71 in a 60 – what a waste!)  Anyway, it seems Dave Chisma didn’t see it. I’ve no idea if he hit the jackpot but time will tell. Good luck Dave.

Heading back south again, Ben turned off the main road onto a little dirt track. I was thinking “great, more dirt”, when I saw the Weir up ahead. A very picturesque scene: blue lake, blue sky, gushing yellow water, a long row of giant silver mechanical valves. As we walked over the old metal grates along the weir wall, giant spiders and their webs could be seen just underneath. The sheer volume of water flowing out through the sluice gates was hypnotising to watch. Mysterious, menacing whirlpools formed on the dam side where the water was being sucked down.

After a few photos we were off back to Nagambie.

By this point we had already lost one rider – Paul decided he was tired of searching for the Weir and, I think, had a nice cold beverage at home in mind instead ;)

We went over Kirwin’s Bridge – an unusually long and curved wooden bridge – which is heritage listed. Due to its length and being single lane, it has turn-outs to allow traffic to pass. We stopped for a photo op and then set off for Heathcote for coffee. Some riders had a late lunch here, not having had lunch at Seymour. Three riders left the group from here (Michael, Duane and Dave).

We headed down the highway to Tooborac where we were passed by an officer on a marked bike. Of course everyone was very well behaved. We continued on, taking the first side road out of Tooborac down to Emu Flat where we turned right towards Baynton. It was a narrow and bumpy ride until we picked up the Burke and Wills Track down to Lancefield. Highway until Romsey where Tony and John left the group to start heading east, homeward bound via Whittlesea.

Then mostly straight roads till Wildwood Road which provided welcome final twisties (I just can’t get enough.)  We ended the ride at Bulla under the flight path to ‘debrief’ and watch the planes coming in to land – always awe-inspiring to watch. A few minutes earlier, just as we climbed out of the valley, we were treated to a spectacular view of Melbourne city buildings bathed in bright orange sunlight (the rest of the scenery in cloud) with the airport to the right and a huge A380 jumbo coming into land right in front of us. It would have been a great shot.

The final rider count at the end was four! Ben, myself, Cliff and Roman. Misho, Pina, Willem and Phill left near Clarkefield.

A great day out. Thanks for putting on another ride for the public holiday, MSR! And thanks to Ben for leading.

 

Marc Marais