Elephant Bridge Weekend

The Elephant Bridge Ride had been well publicised on our Website and in our Newsletter for a couple of months, so eventually it became a decision between Fish Creek and Elephant Bridge. Three of us decided that we would give the "Elephant" a go, so on Sat 18th, at 8-30 am Aub Adcock led us away (astray), under cloudy skies via Eastlink, Monash Fwy to city, then on through Werribee, Anakie and to Meredith for a morning tea break and refuel. Then on through Shelford, Cressy, Derrinallum and eventually to The "Elephant" at Darlington. It should be noted that the Elephant Bridge Hotel is virtually the only building in the place, which is in the middle of sprawling acres of farmland. The Elephant is the oldest continuously licensed hotel in Victoria, predating Melbourne and Ballarat settlements. It is a rather charming building constructed entirely of bluestone blocks and remains in remarkably good condition.

Having arrived at 12-20pm, we dumped out gear in our rooms and joined with about 40 other Ulyssians for a barbecue lunch This is where the intermingling began with Ulysses members from Portland, Casterton, Mt. Gambier, Ballarat, Melbourne, Yarra Ranges, Geelong and Colac, along with ourselves from Two Bays. Talk (as usual) centred on bikes with plenty to discuss as there was a lot of bikes towing trailers (many were Campers, happy to set up in the car park adjacent to the pub). Baulchy meet a mate he once travelled to school with on the same bus in the Otways, and also a couple of ex-students from his past life as a teacher at Portland High School 40 years ago.!!!!! (it's a small world).

Saturday afternoon was either a leisurely sightseeing ride around the area or a poker run around neighbouring townships. We took in Camperdown, stopping to take in the unique lakes side by side, but one is saltwater, the other freshwater with a difference of 33 ft. in their respective surface levels, then up the famous Mt Leura, across to Cobden, Terang, the Mortlake for afternoon tea and fuel, then completing the loop back to the Elephant.

More chatting and intermingling as the social side of this Ulysses get together unfolded. A magnificent Roast Dinner (Pork &/or Beef) was enjoyed by all, then we settled in for the long haul, socialising, chatting, mixing, and of course the mandatory Pool table. (Seems Two Bays cleaned up again........). Sunday dawned with light drizzle, but quickly cleared, so after a hearty cooked breakfast, saying all our farewells, and packing, we were on our way home via the fantastic roads of the Otways.... stopping in Lavers Hill for a break, then on trough Gellibrand, Colac and to Birregurra for a well earned lunch stop. Then via back roads to the Surfcoast, Ocean Grove, and Drysdale for afternoon tea provided by Baulchy's Mum, before heading to Queenscliff for the ferry to Sorrento and home. For the three who went, Peter, Garry and Aub, this was a truly great weekend, highlighted by meeting with other Ulyssians and riding the great roads of the Western district and the Otways.

Monday February 06, 2012