Twelve motorcycles with 13 participants headed off from the Corio Roadhouse to St Arnaud to sample Dave & Colleens BBQ lunch. It was scheduled as a ‘long ride’ of around 520 kms. It was a pretty chilly ride with the morning temps averaging around 4C – 7C and the afternoon a little warmer, but still under 10C. Gentle led us on an excellent range of backroads, with a morning tea stop at Creswick, and a fuel stop at Maryborough on the way up. In addition to the (non) burning of snags, Colleen received her 10 year membership badge. Both DaveThe Bastard & Coll made us very welcome at their unique and incredibly energy efficient home. After a great desert and hot drinks, and just as the afternoon drizzle started, we headed for home. The route was via Moonambel, Amphitheatre and down to Beaufort for a fuel top up, then to Rokewood via Carngham and Smythesdale. It was a great winter run and I wound up doing 565 kms for the day door to door. Thanks to Ron for leading a great ride and Rob for being Tail-End-Charlie.

A warm up with hot drinks at Creswick

Group shot at the Black Duck

Some of Dave & Colleen’s parking lot

Still cold and a little wet at Beaufort on the way home

Jimbo collected some firewood!