Northern Region midweek ride, 15 Feb

CLASSIC RIDE TO AVENEL 15/02/2022

Thirteen riders and one pillion gathered for Richard Mason and Paul Clayton’s ride to Richard’s farm at Avenel.

After a detailed briefing from Richard, we headed off under overcast skies with no rain predicted for the day.  We were all a happy lot as we caressed the throttle of our beloved steed to take us to that place where you are completely immersed in the nature around you.

Negotiating Yan Yean Road and Plenty Road found us riding through Whittlesea, with light traffic conditions to report on.  Heading towards Kinglake and heavy mist was doing its best to turn to rain, but decided to engulf us in thick fog as we travelled the ridge from Kinglake West to the Melba Highway.  Gently, gently, was the required speed limit and Paul delivered us all safely to the start of a brilliant sunny day from the Melba Highway.  A gently paced ride up the Melba to Yea for morning tea and pick up President Ian and Treasurer Rob to join the ride.  A favourite part of my day is discussion time, whether it be dissecting an engine, varying stages of Prostate Cancer, memory loss or Ian Young giving a pie eating demonstration.  We seemed to have our very own Google system – sharing is caring!

Heading out of Yea and travelling at a fair pace towards Ghin Ghin the being in touch with nature thing was really starting to kick in.  A right turn at Ghin Ghin and we were heading towards the Switzerland Ranges.  An undulating, twisting road was on offer to accompany the brilliant sunshine, before a left turn at Mini Stone Henge.  The ride just seemed to be getting better and better before arriving at Seymour.

 

Picking our way through Seymour placed us on the Seymour Avenel Road and the weather was starting to heat up.  A quick burst up the road to Avenel and a fuel stop before negotiating our way to Richard’s farm.  Richard’s description of lunch was somewhat in the line of a Bunnings sausage with a twist.  No charge plus cold drinks and ice cream to accompany the sausage and onion and homegrown tomatoes supplied by Paul.  Thank you very much Richard and Paul.

General interaction was had between members and topics of interest being discussed with one in particular being a 1925 AJS Deluxe Tourer Richard had on display, and one question asked of Richard was “Are you going to ride it back to Melbourne”

 

Clean up time and Paul rounded us up for the return to home.  Retracing our steps to Seymour before travelling via Strath Creek, Flowerdale and a twinkle stop at Kinglake West.  This stop enabled us to take in the skill and vision of a wood sculptor at work with a chainsaw.  It started life as a five metre high tree and was now a work of art.  I wish I could do that!

Goodbyes were said to the Southern boys as they headed home via Healesville while the rest of us travelled back to the start point.

Many thanks to Richard and Paul and to Terry Hoare for TEC duty and a great day was had by all.

 

Richard Haughton

LIST OF RIDERS