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Hawkesdale over the Queen's Birthday long weekend is just on of those
rides that always provides the best in riding pleasure and the
unexpected in spontaneous entertainment.
A dozen of us, mostly newer members and first-timers on a Two Bays
weekender, along with a few experienced leaders; left Baxter at 8-30 am
to travel the "boring bit" first to Melbourne and on to Geelong for a
fuel and coffee stop. Then the fun started as we reached the famous
Great Ocean Rd with damp roads, light drizzle and some wind. A lunch
stop in beautiful Apollo Bay and another refuel, soon saw us on our way
up through the fantastic Otways with some really good riding roads.....
and a fair stretch of gravel road works, before reaching Port Campbell,
Port Fairy and Warrnambool for a welcome coffee break and refuel. The
last 60 kms, took us into Hawkesdale arriving as darkness descended at
about 5-15pm
Hosts at the Hawkesdale Pub, Bill and Rhonda, made us most welcome and
soon had us comfortably into our rooms for the weekend. The bar proved
to be a popular spot to share the events of the day and re-live some of
the best ride bits.
Sunday, dawned fine, calm and dry, just terrific for riding in and
through the Grampians, so off to Halls Gap for a morning coffee and
fuel. Here the Ride Leader declared an "open ride" for the 35-40 km ride
up through the Grampian Ranges to Zummsteins. Each to ride as they
wished with personal safety the key, but open to explore the fantastic
road conditions. Rather interesting to see Tailend Charlie zoom past the
Ride Leader.....!!!! Everyone agreed that bit of riding had been just
terrific. We all safely re-assembled after which we rode to Cavendish
for a late lunch and then on to Hawkesdale.
"Wolfy" thoroughly entertained us (and a Bus load of tipsy young ladies
from Warrnambool) in his Black furry Russian Cossack Hat and Boots. I
think he could have easily won a damzel or two for the evening such was
his charismatic charm...!!!!
Monday was windy and drizzly again for our ride home, but no-one was
fazed by it. On through Mortlake to Camperdown for coffee, then Colac,
Torquay, Barwon Heads for lunch and on to Queenscliff Ferry for a 1 hr
wait for our ride to Sorrento and then home. All 12 of us agreed that
Hawkesdale had lived up to its reputation of being a ride not to be
missed. Its on again next year.
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