Back to Jindi? "But hang on David, I wasn't born in Jindivick nor ever lived there." I hear you all say. Well never mind, it sounds good doesn't it? And after this event you'll wish you had grown up in Jindi. So let this ride plant an idyllic false memory in you of a carefree bare-footed rural childhood in a very pretty part of Victoria.
Destination
This is a pleasant 220km day ride to an out-of-the-way pocket of west Gippsland that one hardly ever has a reason to visit. There's not much happening at Jindivick but the hamlet sits high on a ridge in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range about 15 km north of Drouin and boasts splendid views of the surrounding countryside and mountains beyond. Jindivick also has a quintessential country town general store with a cafe attached which will stir your soul. This will be our our lunch spot. Hopefully we'll be sitting at the tables under the large shady trees next to the cafe, gazing out across the beautiful farmland scenery of rolling pastoral hills. A Sunday roast is available. The first Jindivick General Store was established in 1889 by Norwegian Seaman Johann Tandberg. Jindivick is an Aboriginal word meaning "burst asunder". Does anybody remember the Jindivick remote controlled target drone produced by the Government Aircraft Factory during the 1950s?
Ride Description
We'll start the ride at Britannia Mall in Mitcham. Our off-highway route is via Silvan and Gembrook. We'll be riding through the western flank of Bunyip State Forest. There is a short 5.5kms section of good dirt road here but you'll hardly notice it as the forest is so pretty. We need to cross the Princess Highway at Tynong and perhaps pick up riders coming from the south at Bunyip. A fuel stop at Longwarry North will keep our scooters happy as the next available fuel is at Launching Place, 175kms from the start of the ride. Although we are here for the beautiful scenery, of historical interest we will ride along the length of Jacksons Track (see notes below). Shortly after lunch at the Jindi Cafe, we'll visit the town's cricket ground which surely has one of the best views of any pitch anywhere. Then a short detour to see Tarago Reservoir. There is some stunning riding north of Neerim South with distant purple-blue mountains forming a backdrop to cleared rolling hills. We have been climbing ever since leaving Longwarry, however after passing through Nayook, we plunge down through a steep forested road into the LaTrobe River Valley to meet the main Poweltown-Noojee Road. Observe if you will, the majestic white-trunked manna gums near Gilderoy and Three Bridges. Our return route to Melbourne is via Yellingbo and Mount Evelyn. For those still up for a farewell coffee, we can finish the ride at Mailing Road.
Ride coupons cannot be redeemed on the day. Route subject to change on a whim without notice. The colour 'purple-blue' mentioned in the description may not be available on the day. The weather will be sunny and no further correspondence will be entered into on this matter. The lead scooter may produce noxious gases when under pressure.
Comments
Let's go back soon for an explore
Hi David
The pork roast of the day with crackling was delicious, the ride eventful and amazing. Think it will need to be revisited some other time to see the bits we missed. Hope everyone got home safely and a huge thank you John S and Peter Zimm for assisting Ciro in getting his bike home that is so very generous of you both and I know he will be greatly appreciative once he is feeling better.
Hi Jindivikers, we have a table booked at the Jindi Caf. However if the weather is kind, we might move outside under the trees. The Sunday roast (best in the district they claim) is beef or lamb. They also make a grand burger. A vegetarian lasagna or vegie burger are also options. If you want something lighter, they make sandwiches too. No doubt pies are available. Well the drizzle of today has blown over. Lets hope we'll be riding in sun sometime during the day. See you in Britannia Mall, Mitcham tomorrow for a 9am sharp start. We'll pick up John in Gembrook around 10am.
Hi John. If we get away on time (9am) then we should arrive in Gembrook around 10:00 to 10:15am. There is a cafe at the east end of town called "Charlottes on Main" which has outside chairs and tables. We could meet you there. We can say goodbye to you later that day at Launching place. Then you can enjoy the beautiful climb up Gembrook Road back to Gembrook and beyond. Please let us know if you decide to come. I'll be carrying spare cables for both of us ha ha.
Find more photos like this on Vespa Club of Melbourne
It's an amazing story isn't it Greg? It seems that after Carolyn Landon assisted Daryl Tonkin to write and publish his memoir in 1999, she realised that Daryl's nostalgic recollection of events was perhaps coloured by his deep felt loss of the way things once were. In further more recent interviews with some of the aborigines and their children who lived on Jackson Track, Carolyn has now placed other perspectives alongside Daryl's (the link you posted). Nevertheless something very beautiful happened there in that community, summed up by the picture of those girls frolicking in the creek. The boy in the middle of the middle photo is the young Lionel Rose. I've been trying to find the site of the camp(s). You would think there would be a plaque or something wouldn't you? Perhaps those who destroyed the huts bulldozed their memory too.
WOW
http://books.publishing.monash.edu/apps/bookworm/view/Jackson%E2%80...
Thanks Pam and thanks James for letting us know.
How could I possibly resist this ride David after reading all this I could do with a little soul stirring...:)
Departure Point
Britannia Mall, 485 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham shopping centre (see map). Pull into the left service road at the start of Mitcham shopping centre about 300 metres after an overhead pedestrian bridge but before Mitcham Road.
Departure Time
The ride departs at 9am sharp. Come earlier if you want coffee and breakfast beforehand. An early start will allow us to enjoy a more leisurely ride. Several cafes in this mall will cater for our needs.
Options
Those coming from the city or western suburbs can arrange to ride to Mitcham as a group. Riders coming from the south may prefer to meet us at either Gembrook or Bunyip but please let us know on this events page where you'll be joining the ride.
Please arrive at the departure point with a full tank of petrol.
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next