Well, the day’s conditions for a ride in the Gippsland hills were less than optimal with 1-3mm of rain forecast. The trip from home to Pearcedalewas one of the heaviest showers for the day. I arrived and huddled under a tree waiting for the gang to arrive.
An intrepid group of 5 riders trickled in, and we headed out at 9.30am and enjoyed a fabulous ride through some fairly spectacular countryside.
We covered familiar territory at the start, going down the South Gippsland Highway to The Gurdies turnoff. The planked bridge coming into Kernot was quite slippery but it didn’t claim any scalps.
The intrepid 5 bravely went forth
We wound up the hills to the peak at Ryanston, then down through Kongwak, dodging the market crowds. At the crest of the hill on the other side of Kongwak,an expansive scene revealed itself with some sun and patches where it was clearly raining in the distance. Sensational!
We had a welcome coffee at Kelly’s Bakery, then off again – to Leongatha, up the Wild Dog Valley Road to Leongatha North, to Mirboo North, and along
the continuation of the Grand Ridge Road towards Mirboo and Dumbalk East. This section of road is pure joy – varying from tight to sweeping corners, awesome countryside, and very little traffic.
From there, we rode right up into the hills to Mardan, then down a narrow local road towards Dumbalk. It was raining at this stage. Had the weather been better, we would have stopped to take pictures of the awesome view across the Dumbalkvalley. Not to be.
From there, the road winds uphill again, past Nerrena and into Leongatha, where we had lunch at McCartin’s Hotel.
Woody and Pete were very happy to sample the Guinness on tap. The meals were good, but Bob ended up with a calamari-only lunch – somehow, the order got lost in translation.
After lunch, a quick fuel stop for those with dainty tank capacities, then along the highway to Korumburra and across the Strzelecki hills to Warragul. All was going well until I had a call from Birky – Woody had come off his bike. There was a slippery patch on the road, perhaps diesel. My rear wheel span a little harder going over it, Happy’s bike did a bit of a whip as he rode through it; Bob’s bike also broke traction. But Woody’s bike whipped a little more seriously and he found himself high sided.
Fortunately, Birky was right behind him and able to signal to traffic, help Woody with the bike and assess the damage. Woody was not injured and the bike appeared to only sustain some cosmetic damage. After a pause, we again headed off into Warragul, Drouin and Lang Lang, then back to Tooradin to conclude the ride.
I wish I’d captured some of the sights but it’s that tension between being in the moment and having the pictures to show later. Being in the moment wins!
Thanks to all who came on the ride. What a day. 302km of wet weather riding practise! Thanks to Birky for ably performing TEC duties and for looking after Woody on the home run.
Cheers, Val