Guess I better start the ball rolling.. Was up at 6 am after maybe an hour and a half sleep, due to a recalcitrant cat who decided she wanted to stay outside for most of the night. She is playing the same game again tonight.
Left Portland a few minutes after 7 am on wet roads care of the overnight storm we had, Local Police were just starting to pull drivers over just north of town for a Saturday morning "blow in the tube" game, but waved me through, as they are aware that I don't drink. Sky was clear overhead, but I was stuck behind a series of semis who were raising a fog of spray making it impossible to see the road ahead for oncoming traffic. By and large, tho, several gave me the all clear to overtake. Was a bit warm, but not too bad.
Medium traffic but still vehicle spray through Warrnambool and on to Camperdown, where I topped the tank. Pulled up at the Servo in Colac at 9.40. Mobile phone was buzzing in the right fairing, but as I pulled it out to return the call from Saaz, he pulled in at the pumps. VERY! nice bike, that Trumpy. We chatted for a few minutes, then headed for Forrest, me following.
Good ride, with some twisties thrown in, very nice scenery down that way, rolling green hills and many dams. Found a large (ish) dent in the road when I had already committed to my line on one bend, maybe 5 Km short of Forrest.... changed my line but drifted a little wide. Not a lot of oncoming traffic, so all was good.
We parked opposite the Wonky Donkey and sat on the verandah until 11 am when the door opened. (Make a nice coffee, there!)
We had just ordered our second cuppa when the first Honda arrived, then another a few minutes later, and then the rest of the group rolled in. By the time we had all had a greet and meet, it was time to go and order our meals.
Many thanks Marcus, I now have an ozSToc coffee mug, and am drinking from it as I type.
All I can say about the food, is that there was a lot left over on most plates, not because of lack of quality, tho... it was just the gi-normous servings! I had a porterhouse steak with chips and veges, and could not find room for about half of the serve of chips! VERY good food, woud go back there again. Am sure a good time was had by all, with some animated conversation around the table as we enjoyed our meals.
Heat had risen, and we chatted across the road by the bikes, flag came out, obligatory photos taken, and then we started to move out, several directions. All in all, really great to catch up with members previously met, and meet new faces as well. I am sure that others will soon post some more pics, I just have 3 to share.
I headed through to Geelong, Melbourne, Drouin, and then south to visit some friends in Poowong east, about 3 and a half hours ride for an overnight visit, and to replace a light fitting in their lounge room while there. They already had the new fitting.
Local electrician (Drouin, 20 minutes away) quoted on the phone $280 to do the job (less than 15 minutes!)
Hate to see what his hourly rate is?
Was a lot cheaper for me to do them the favour, for the cost of a meal and a bed.
Going back to visit them again in 6 weeks, after I get a leave pass from the hospital....
Returned home, leaving Poowong around 11 am, arrived at about 5 pm... Hot day travelling, removed gloves and jacket before I got to Melbourne.
Had about a 50/50 wave return rate from Harley riders this weekend.
