Around twenty people gathered at Waurn Ponds Maccas for a 6.00pm departure on our first Twilight Ride. This turned out to be an excellent short ride around the Bellarine Peninsula, finishing up at the Queenscliff Bowling Club “Rip View” restaurant.

The weather forecast for Sunday at the start of the weekend was for rain on Sunday. However, Mal Stapleton (the event organiser) confidently told everyone at Saturday morning’s tyre kick that  it was going to be a lovely evening for a ride on Sunday—and he was absolutely right! Although there were a few menacing black clouds in the distance, it remained dry and a balmy 21C for most of the ride.

Patt Cristina volunteered to be TEC and after a briefing from Mal we departed on a really enjoyable ride that headed out Ghazepoore Road, Lower Duneed Rd and took in 13th Beach before heading over to Drysdale then down to past the vineyards to Portarlington and then along the Esplanade to Indented Heads. The camping grounds were bursting at the seams, the smell of BBQ’s wafted through the air and children and people fishing enjoyed the evening on the various beaches. It was great  to see people out and enjoying their long weekend and the balmy evening. I couldn’t help but think how great it is to be living near the coast and what a great quality of life we Aussies have.

The beer garden of the St Leonards Hotel was stacked out as we cruised by. From here we headed up Bluff Road and then turned on to the Queenscliff Road. Just as dusk fell we pulled up at the Queenscliff Bowling Club, which far from offering “pensioners’ food” put on very good meals. We laughed as some friendly locals who were leaving highly recommended the meatballs special, unbeknown to them they were advising Jimbo and Fiona, both of whom are vegetarians!

We occupied three large tables and had enjoyed tasty meals in great company. Those who had previously purchased the Club’s fundraising ‘Entertainment Discount Book’ enjoyed it all the more, with 25% off their bill.

A big thanks to Mal Stapleton for organising the event, which was a huge success.