Theme
Mooo! This is a repeat of a 2-day weekend ride we did two years ago. We'll learn about Victoria's dairy industry as we meander through the rich rolling green hills of Gippsland which produces a quarter of the nation's milk supply. We'll look at modern milk-processing factories as well as the remains of old dairy farmer’s co-ops that have long closed. The scenery is simply stunning as we ride along rural back roads used by milk trucks that pick up fresh supplies twice daily from the various milking sheds in the district.
Ride Description
Our 490-km route includes a section of the Grand Ridge Road with glorious views both sides of the ridge and south to the sea. Some sections of dirt road add spice to the ride and help make it very scenic. Our overnight stay will be in Leongatha. On Sunday we'll pass through the hill-top hamlet of Poowong then wiggle our way along the picturesque Bass Valley Highway to Bena with it’s series of picturesque 1940s bridges. We’ll visit a cheese factory for a tasting and pretend to fill up our scooters with Mobilegas at the Artdeco Kongwak petrol station. Lunch is planned for Wonthaggi. We'll then climb back into the hills, catch a shimmering glimpse of Phillip and French Islands and take a coffee break in the charming village of Loch. There will be stops along the way for photography, to explore townships, a pause to enjoy local beer or wine and of course we’ll meet lots of black and white Friesian cows named Daisy. Bless their big warm wet noses. Mooo!
Route Map
www.plotaroute.com/route/472703
Accommodation
Details to follow later
Meeting Points and Times
• For Melbournites:
The Alley Cat Cafe in Theatre Place, just off the main Mailing Road shopping strip in Canterbury. Be ready to leave around 8.30-9am.
• For South Suburbanites and Gippslanders:
Ride direct to Bunyip. We'll meet you at Biddy Martha's Cafe corner of Main Road and High Street, Bunyip. The Melbourne mob should arrive around 10.15am
For those too young to remember, milk used to be delivered to our doorstep... by horse and cart! Here is a recording of a milk man made outside our house in 1965 <click here>
So dairy queens, get ready to experience the fun and social camaraderie of a weekend away with the club. It’s sure to be a very enjoyable and memorable one brought to you by Peters Ice Cream - "The Health Food of a Nation". Some pics below taken along the route of the country we'll be riding through to entice you - just like a vanilla buttermilk double dollop ice cream... yummy!
Comments
Here's another shot of Koonwarra with a sepia touch
A big thank you to all the participants of the Milk Run Ride. Corner marking was excellent and in what I believe is a club first, James marked the corner at the start the dirt section of the Grand Ridge Road and at the end of this same piece of road. What the??!! I think he has a magic box that can travel through time and space, well space anyway. It was great to catch up with the Gippsland crew and to share a part of their world. My apologies for our late arrival in Bunyip. Hope to see you again. Congratulations to a number of first time riders with the club on a weekend event and for coping with David's dirt road bits without fuss or drama. We were blessed with perfect weather and the lush rolling hills of Gippy were the heroes of the ride. Anybody sick of the colour green at the end of day two? Of course not! And when we weren't riding, there was the warmth, fun and storytelling of comrades in handlebars. Thanks to Paul and Judy for their hospitality, cowing patting amongst the cow pats, scones, shortbread and a welcome cuppa along with stunning views from the veranda of their home. Also to Bob and Yvonne for welcoming our visit to his eclectic art studio in Koonwarra. Our best wishes to Greg and Julie. Oh, I found a stack of melted "Milky Bars" in my top box. I was supposed to hand them out at some point during the weekend. Doh, the start of a series of dementia rides Pam?
David
The ride to Leongatha from my studio.
I was so happy the Milk Runners came by my studio for a visit.
We had a good chat over dinner at McCartins Hotel on Saturday night in Leongatha too. Sorry I missed breakfast. What a great bunch of people.
hope to catch up again soon.
BREAKFAST - Please note that the Alleycat Cafe opens at 9am so although we will park in Theatre Place, off Maling Road Canterbury, we will find another venue in the area for breakfast and/or coffee. We depart at 9am sharp so please arrive around 8am if you wish to breakfast before we leave. Thank you, David
Hello Milk Run Riders. Just a reminder that our route includes some dirt road links. On day one there is 11kms of dirt-gravel road through the Bunyip Sate Forest and later before lunch another 12kms along the Grand Ridge Road near Fairbank. On day two there is 8kms of dirt road that takes us to a grand view. Because of this and the distance, it is an event more suited for the experienced rider. 27 degrees on Saturday and Sunday. Sunny mornings with a chance of showers at the end of each day. Bring on those green rolling hills of Gippsland, David
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