Winter ride to Mt Macedon.

[DJ Downunder]

It's mid Winter down under and the weather here has been crap for the last few weeks..

The weather forcast was fine and sunny for Tuesday (today) so we planned a ride with our fingers crossed that the forcast was right.

There was Boxerboy on his R100RS and his friend Denis on his K100..also my freind..Anne..who has just bought a new Guzzi Breva.

Today we did get sunshine.. ...This is our starting spot..The local Macca's at 9am...It was so good to see blue sky for a change.

Check out Anna's new 750 Breva...btw Anne works with me and we've talked for ages about what bike she should get next..and the Breva is perfect





Once we were ready to hit the road I took a time delay group pic..I thought I'd get my jacket done up within 10 seconds...I was wrong..



Within an hour of riding the weather started to change..The hills in the distance were covered in a big rain cloud..and that was where we were headed.

Dam..I was thinking..why didn't I bring my wet weather gear..Why did I trust the weather forcast.(They're never right)..

I even had to turn my heated grips on it was getting so cool..and my summer gloves didn't help..

Our first stop was at an old favorite pub..The Flowerdale.



Inside was a nice warm fireplace..and these cool hand carved stools to sit on.



Instead of cold drinks it was hot coffee's..except me..I had a cold coke for a change..



Up on the wall inside the pub was this very old Vespa poster.



Back outside the rain clouds seems all around us..but no drops have fallen..yet..my fingers were crossed.



After leaving the Flowerdale I took the lead because my yellow fuel light had been on for ages..and I wanted to stop at our next opportunity for fuel.

We found fuel at Strath Creek...and another photo opportunity to take a picture of Anne on her new bike.



We were now headed for a place called WoodEnd for lunch..and the cold was getting to me again..The cold coke had gone straight though me and I was riding with my knees holding the tank tight..I don't know if that helps..but I was busting for a you-know-what..

We were almost at WoodEnd..Denis was leading..and he goes right at a T intersection instead of left...Jeeez...there were not even any trees on the side of the road..(I was looking).

He stops just up the road at a plaque on a rock..He thought I might like to take a picture..so I took a quick pic..Then I asked Boxerboy how far now to WoodEnd..He says 10-15 minutes...Sheesh!..



There's no surprise that I was the first one there...I just made it..(Pheew!)..I wonder if the guys in the bar nearby heard my loud..AARRRRRRRR!!



Boxerboy orders lunch and asks me if want the usuall..I said yes..so Chicken Schnitzel it is..(again)..



After the pub meal at WoodEnd we thought we would ride up to the top of Mount Macedon that was nearby..

We cold see it and the top was covered in a thick raincloud...bugger!..we had stayed dry till now.

The ride to the top was great..I lead the way..the road got damp but we didn't get any rain.. ..but once at the top the cloud was too thick to see any of the great view..bugger!

This is the top carpark..It was a bit of a hike to the lookout spot and we were running out of time..so we just headed back and will do it another day.



Once we got down from Mt Macedon the sky cleared..the warm sun was great..and we had a tailwind all the way home...and no rain all day..

Here's one last pic once I got home...No..I'm not showing off my Man-boobs..I'm showing off my T shirt..for those who are from Texas..

DJ

[sjbmw]

Winter down under looks very nice.
Thanks.
I like that Guzzi, and the Schnitzel.
We don't have a white R, do we?
hmmm....

[thenewcamus]

Great Pics DJ, that little Guzzi is hot, looks alot like the R... Maybe the Mrs. could handle one.

[GypsyRR]

Cool T-shirt DJ.


Hook 'em Horns - again.


I like that white Breva. Very nice looking bike. And I would like to know what kind of riding pants Anna is wearing.

[Boxerboy]

It was a good ride despite the lack of warm weather. We didn't get any rain at all, just the threat of it.
Anne's bike looked a treat, the paint job glistened in the sun and changed appearance depending on the angle of the light. Very nice. Twin shock too! There's value for money...most new fangled bikes only give yer one!
Parental responsibilities demanded DJ was home by 1500 and myself at 1530 so we curtailed our planned walk to the memorial cross. Just as well I think as the wind was icy up there.

That rock plaque for Burke and Wills is interesting. Those two were ill fated explorers of the 1800's that perished much further north whilst trying to establish an inland north/south passage. How stupid Everyone knows you take the coastal road unless you've got a GS. The irony however, is that the plaque was sponsored by a A. Giannarelli & Sons, stonemasons, specialising in gravestones!

Mt. Macedon is an interesting spot. The town is dominated by big ol' houses on big ol' properties with big ol' fences. It is viewed as the little home away from home for the Melbourne gentry, the weekender town. Some magnificent gardens on large properties on the side of a big hill just 1 hour from the city via a newly upgraded freeway. Unfortunately the pub closed down a few years back. The pub became famous after most of the townfolk (in residence) congregated there during horrendous fires in 1983..Black Friday...or Wednesday?? I can't remember...and they all expected to be incinerated together. The mountain (big hill) was ablaze. They survived, but the pub didn't. Well, it's still there, but shut...a pub with no beer. Oh well, the locals probably grow their own wine and import French champers anyhow.

Gypsy, I think Anne wore locally made TigerAngel leather pants. http://www.tigerangel.com/frontpage.html Though if we see her and that's wrong we'll get back.

[DJ Downunder]

Thanks Boxerboy..Here's a few pics of that dog at the Flowerdale that wanted us to stay a keep throwing the ball for him to fetch.







Gypsy..yes those pants that Anne had on were custom made for her by the famous TigerAngle..another great Aussie brand..They did look good.

I thought you might like that shirt..

I could try and talk American by saying How'dy..Have a nice day..and would you like fry's with that..But I don't think I'd convince anyone.. ..



I had some great photo opportunities along the way but traveling in a group prevented me stopping for pics.

I'll do by it again by myself one day..and stop as often as I like..

DJ

[zooomart]

Nice shirt, Texas for winter riding! Michigan for summer tours. PM me so I can get a Michigan shirt down to you before your weather get warm.

[Biff's R]

Nice shirt, Texas for winter riding! Michigan for summer tours. PM me so I can get a Michigan shirt down to you before your weather get warm.

Traitor.

[zooomart]

I am a native Michigander following sage advice.
Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.
George Burns

[Arbee]

Good Stuff DJ

Cheers
Arbee

[chibbert]

DJ - you can always count on your posts to be entertaining and full of great pictures. Well done sir!

I think I need to send you an OSU shirt (Ohio State University)