T is for Tallarook, Trawool, Tyaak, Tea (a cup of, preferably Devonshire) and Trivia around a log fire. This adds up to two days of riding through pretty countryside and a happy relaxed evening out of town. Our mystery destination is Tallarook, a small country town about 100 kms directly north of Melbourne or 143 kms via David's twisty illogical back road route. Tallarook was once the railway junction for the Yea, Mansfield and Alexandra lines. The former track alignment has now become a popular RailTrail for cyclists.
This impromptu Queen's Birthday Weekend event was originally planned as a one day ride for warmer months later this year in order to visit the Kerrisdale Mountain Railway and Museum. It's now become a two day ride dress rehearsal. As this charming attraction, where a little train climbs up a mountain side for a fabulous view, is closed for the winter months, we'll just wave at it as we ride past. The ride totals 265kms so it will be a lazy 143kms on the first day and 122kms on the second. You'll be led by a wheezing classic Vespa. We won't be in any hurry so relax and enjoy the scenery. I also reckon we should stop at local general stores along the way to hold a warm cuppa in our frozen hands while supporting the countryside economy with our city dollars. A chewing gum led recovery program.
ACCOMMODATION:
We'll be staying at the Tallarook Pub on Sunday night. If you haven't experienced a stay in an Aussie Pub before, then this is your chance. Our hosts are Bill and Chrissie who promise log fires, friendly atmosphere, great food cooked by King Island's best chef, a fine selection of wine and a couch on the upstairs verandah to watch the sunset or sunrise. At the time of writing, there is plenty of room at the inn. But I will need to confirm numbers soon.
At the moment they have accommodation for twelve. 8 x single beds at $50 per person - 5 beds dorm style in one room and an adjoining 3 in another. 2 x doubles at $60 per person and 2 x luxury rooms with breakfast included for $158 a double. There is a great cafe "Hock the Ruby" across the road for breakfast for the $50 paupers.
I can promise you some great riding along beautiful roads but weather will be weather. Sunday looks to be sunny and hopefully the weather will be clear to take in the spectacular view of "the valley of a thousand hills." Winter sun is warm but the air temperature will be chilly so rug up and bring your midlayer clothes.
WANT A ONE DAY RIDE?
Please join us on Sunday for a nice day of riding. You can accompany us to our destination or turn back at any time. If you decide to ride to Tallarook, you can scoot down the Hume freeway for a fast ride back home or take a copy of David's mud map and enjoy the intended route back.
RIDE START POINT:
The ride will depart promptly at 9:30am from Cafe Zen Den, 736 Main Road, Eltham. Come earlier if you want to breakfast here. The cafe opens at 7am.
This cafe has no signage so it's easy to miss. It consists of an old house adjoining a former shop. If coming from the city, it's on the right a few streets past Mount Pleasant Road. Parking is behind the premises down the drive. Remember PLEASE ARRIVE WITH A FULL TANK as first fuel stop is 115 kms away.
All aboard for Tallarook!
Comments
I would certainly do this ride again David and yes it would be lovely to do in the sunshine....
Thanks to all those who decided to come along on this last minute ride, both day-trippers and overnighters and for your contribution to a happy few days away. For a while there it looked as though it was going to be just me, Julie and Greg. Once again the magnificent countryside, if not the weather, provided some beautiful riding. We'll do it again one day when the sun is shining and the little hill railway is operating. The rocks of Tallarook rock!
Another great weekend of Vespa Clubbing!
Many thanks David, sensational ride. We are all dirt road experts now......
Find more photos like this on Vespa Club of Melbourne
Home safe and sound. Thanks David for leading the ride through some of Victoria's most scenic countryside.
Amazing ride, scenery, weather, company ..
And thanks to everyone else it was a great weekend. Glad I managed to stay over
Fantastic riding, great weather and sensational company...Thank you David for you wonderful back road knowledge... the scenery was stunningly beautiful. Hope everyone got home safely.
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