Ulysses Otways Ride 150415

After thunderstorms before sunrise I was pessimistic about how many riders would actually turn up for today’s mid week ride. Around 20 riders did so and were rewarded with as good a day for riding the Otways as you could wish for. We completed a circuit – from Geelong to Gellibrand for morning tea, then onwards to Apollo Bay via Lavers Hill and the Great Ocean Road. After lunch at the Apollo Bay bakery we headed back to Geelong through Forrest with a brief stop at the West Barwon Dam. All up, around 310 kms in gorgeous Autumn weather.

Congratulations on the new Triumph Geoff!

Actually there were two new bikes, pictured side by side below.

A bit smokey in Apollo Bay

The fellas at West Barwon dam

Broadford Bike Bonanza 2015

I took my annual trip to the Broadford Bike Bonanza on Easter Sunday. It was a perfect autumn day for the event with no wind, plenty of sunshine and the temp around 22C. A friend of mine, Tim K, has come back to classic racing after a 20 plus year break and is in the process of shaking down a T500 Suzuki that he has recently rebuilt. So this was the first time for me to see his Suzuki in action, which was great and it always adds interest when someone you know is on the circuit. His Dad is an old hero of mine (see A Familiar Voice) and I was expecting to see him as well, however, he had some bike trouble on Saturday and didn’t stick around for Sunday. I arrived around 10.am and things were in full swing. The theme for this year was former Bathurst racers.

Below is a selection of some bikes that took my fancy.

Tim aboard the Suzuki T500

‘Beak’ on the ex- John Woodley Suzuki

A well-used, road going Norvin

I still love the attractive Honda CB750 Four transverse engine

How’s this for stepping back in time. I didn’t hear it running but I’m told it started first kick.

I saw this lady being photographed and wondered who she was. Tim knew that she is Peggy Hyde, a 1970’s road racer with considerable ability. It’s really well worth reading about her in this AMCN article HERE. Better still, listen to her at THIS LINK

 

Nice BMW in action

I have posted a gallery of pics HERE. I advise clicking on ‘Slideshow’ when you get to the page.