We were all on time this morning. Tom and David more on time than the others, but they might as well have been ships passing in the night. Promptly at 9:00 we started down the freeway, past Geelong and along the slow stretch to Anglesea where we had coffee at our usual spot. Simon ordered a mug of coffee but drank Duncan’s cup. Confusion in the camp when the mug arrived, but all ended well.
In no particular haste, we eventually got ourselves going north of Anglesea on packed gravel. A few kms of tar and then back on gravel, travelling through the eucalyptus forests of the Grand Otway National Park. The countryside was very pretty with only some minor technical sections, where we rode on almond sized pebbles. The steering felt very skittish, which was not helped by the back wheel also dancing around. We took an early lunch in Deans Marsh as we were not confident of supplies further on. Lunch was not healthy, but it was tasty. David led the charge through the forests, stopping every now and then to consult his detailed map. Not once did we get lost, a miracle for our group! From the photos you might think we were lost. No, just ensuring we didn’t get lost! We did pause a couple of times at road closed signs, but as with previous rides, we regard them merely as advisories, not mandatories. After negotiating the very pleasant closed road from the Otway Fly, we came across a locked boom gate. There was a sign blocking off a path on the side of it. A Swiss Army knife dealt with the cable tie and on we went. We had afternoon tea at the artists café and got into a deep discussion about the way society is now handling the issue of sexuality. A most vexed question. More dirt roads followed until we connected with the Great Ocean Road between Portland and Apollo Bay.. Do we take the tar? No, we take the Old Ocean Road, which rejoins the tar later on. The final thirty kms to Apollo Bay were handled in fine style, with lovely sweeping bends. Our accommodation is no palace, but we all had a bed and the shower was hot. Duly refreshed, we strolled the few hundred metres down to the main road, looking for dinner. We were surprised at how many eateries were closed, especially on a Saturday evening. We were also surprised, looking in the windows of the realtors, how expensive properties are here. It is rather far from Melbourne for week-enders.. So to the pub we went. The fish and chips and salad were acceptable and a few beers and glasses of wine stretched the evening very pleasantly to nine o’clock. After walking home, we settled down in the lounge with tea and the area map to discuss the route for Sunday. That done, we talked about things to do with motorcycles! Ready to leave for breakfast at 8:30. Heading for the hills at 9.
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AuthorDuncan & Liz are keen travellers, doing less than they would like but appreciating what opportunities present. Duncan loves his motorcycle and Liz loves it more at the end of a trip! Archives
June 2021
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