At 37 degrees, it was a pretty hot day for a ride, but we're all pretty tough here. We met at the Bolivar Caltex and rode to Balaklava through the Pinery region so recently devastated by bush-fire. It was quite sobering as we rode through kilometers of bare padocks, burnt fences, razed homes, blackened roadside vegetation devoid of any life, and willy willies spiraling dust high into the air. The Royal Hotel at Balaklava is a cracker, and the dining room was crowded with locals. If we hand't booked we would have missed out on a table. The food was brilliant and someone commented that it was that it was the best pub food ever tasted and I'd certainly go back there again. Those who braved the heat were Alans1100 & Heather, StinkyPete & Chris, Fish, Richo, and two of Richo's friends (Josie and John) from Kadina driving a BMW sports car. The girls were very impressed with the BMW and I had to pry Chris out of the driver's seat to get her back on the bike. It was a lovely day out, and thank to Alans1100 for finding such a great little pub.