There's lots to see and enjoy on this weekend back road route to Bendigo - history, views, waterfalls and bluestone pubs, houses, churches and bridges. In fact we could call the ride "The Bluestone Way" to this gracious inland city. The ride will be led by a wheezing 50 year old Vepsa so you can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery rolling by on quiet rural roads at a sedate speed. So much nicer than belting straight up the highway and only 20kms longer.
Our ride up includes a brief stop at Clarkefield to look at the 1857 Coach and Horses Inn, supposedly haunted by not just one, but three ghosts. We then travel around the east and north sides of the Macedon Ranges sliding past Hanging Rock. There's a break for lunch at Kyneton, then we're off to Metcalfe past the historical tumbledown Windmill Bridge. We'll detour to see Turpins Falls where we might be lucky enough to see some jumpers defying death. We'll pop by The Cascades at Metcalfe and if we are running to schedule when we get to Sutton Grange, we can ride up Mt Alexandra for a fabulous view to the north over the basalt plains. We should arrive in Bendigo around 3pm. Our overnight accommodation will be at Bendigo Bush Cabins and we will dine pub-style at the unforgettable Bush Pig Inn and maybe have a drink around a roaring outdoor fire. Our return route is via Lake Eppalock, Redesdale (see history of it's bridge here), Mia Mia and along a section of the Burke and Wills Track. Apart from it's historical significance, this road takes us though a truly magical forest to Lancefield.
This ride is organised to coincide with the Bendigo gang's monthly meet so we'll join them for breakfast at the Corner Store Cafe (see info here). So come along and say hello to our northwestern Vesparian friends.
The ride leaves from Claudio's Minimo Cafe at 9:30am so come earlier if you want breakfast or coffee beforehand.
822 Sydney Road, Brunswick
I'll finalise accommodation requirements as we get closer to the date. A definite commitment is preferable to a "might attend". If you haven't got your scooter out of Melbourne yet, or haven't experienced the warm camaraderie of a club weekend away, then this ride provides the perfect excuse.
Comments
Thank you to all those who attended the backroads to Bendigo ride, especially to James and Josh who did a splendid job at the tail of our 11 rider serpent. I'm sure the after image burnt onto our retinas by the polychromatic brickwork of Bendigo's handsome engine shed is still affecting the vision of some. Never mind, it will fade away over time along with the haunting memory of all those damn bridges... and gravel. Here is a happy family photo outside Maggie's Cottage. (The stories this little house could tell would curl your helmet).
Hope you mean waterfalls Trevor....lol... sounds like everyone had a fabulous time....:)
Couldn't agree more... terrific riding, thanks once again David!
Thanks David, a great weekend. And such a lovely bunch of people, too.
Thank you to you and all for a wonderful weekend xxx
Perfect riding weather, you guys were so lucky.... sorry we didn't get to catch up with you at the end..but by the photos posted on FB it looks like you all had a wonderful time. Catch you all soon.
Sorry I missed everyone today. I got back from Seattle this morning.
Closest thing to seeing a vespa was this- yes it is the real one!. (apart from a sad looking Stella)
Hope you all had a great ride. Looking forward to catching up soon!
Hi David
What a gorgeous weekend weather wise for this amazing ride. Just wondering where you are planning to end the ride and roughly what time?
Cheers Julie
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