Northern region midweek ride, 16 August

This winter has been one during which you watch the weather and seize opportunities to get out on the bike between rain events. This day looked like being one of those.

Most of us wore or packed wet-weather gear as we met and chatted at the Caltex servo at Greensborough. Paul briefed us, adding that we were going skip Yea and morning tea and go to Seymour for lunch via Kinglake West, Flowerdale, Strath Creek and the Goulbourn Valley Highway (GVH). We set off along Yan Yean road facing an impressive sky: towering grey and white cloud formations with some blue sky showing above, and over to the north the usual layer of rainy-looking clouds sitting low over Kinglake. Intermittent drizzle greeted us as we passed Kinglake West. The downhill road to Flowerdale was saturated and felt slippery in places but riding carefully we all negotiated it, also negotiating the occasional potholes and lumps on the Flowerdale – Strath Creek road.

The countryside was green and fresh-looking, and it was good to be out on our bikes. We stopped for a break at Strath Creek where some put on wet-weather kit, then we rode north to the GVH for a left turn to Seymour. It rained as we approached the Brewer’s Table cafe at Seymour opposite the station. Paul found us a cosy table, outside but sheltered and in the sun when it came out. The food, coffee and service is always good at this cafe.

From Seymour Paul led us through the network of attractive winding country roads west towards Glenaroua before arriving at Broadford for a short break. With such a small group the corner-marshalling had been easy. From Broadford we returned to Kilmore and Yan Yean, having a chat at Greensborough and then going our separate ways home. Thanks Paul for providing an enjoyable day out on our bikes and Arthur for riding TEC.
John Best.

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