‘Right Side of the Bay’ ride
by David. P
This ride report was originally published in the May 2008 issue of the Motorcycle Tourers club magazine, ‘Chain Lube’.
My day started with a voice mail message from Rolf, informing me that unfortunately due to the fact that he’d had his bike impounded the day before after he got caught speeding or as Rolf puts it “cruising” through the Black Spur. Apparently Rolf was one of only three Melbournians who weren’t aware of the current Police Blitz in the Yarra Ranges where the boys in blue exchange their uniform for camo gear and hide in the bushes waiting for unsuspecting speedsters. Rolfs main concern was missing a ride day down at Phillip Island the following Tuesday. Fortunately his luck took a turn for the better and he was able to pick up the 999 on Monday evening, allowing him to go as fast as he wanted around the GP circuit.
The sun was pushing its way through the clouds as bikes started to gather out the front of the café strip in Domain Rd South Yarra. As ride participants sipped lattes, the forecast for morning showers clearing appeared nothing more than an inaccuracy by the Bureau of Meteorology. Well to the north where we were facing, anyway. But we were heading south to the Mornington Peninsula. Sixteen bikes departed South Yarra and headed down Nepean Highway (Gateway to the bayside suburbs) until we arrived at the second pick-up point in Frankston where we were greeted by three more bikes bringing the total to nineteen plus one pillion.
At this point in time the sky had turned a heavy grey, and it was ominous that we weren’t going to escape some sort of dampness. We continued bravely towards Mornington where we encountered our first shower of rain, which wasn’t too bad if you were fortunate enough to be riding a bike with some sort of fairing. From here on in things get a little messy (refer to map). The ride then headed west towards Tyabb. Then back towards Mount Martha via Devilbend Reservoir. This “zig zag” pattern continued until we arrived at Dromana where we ascended up Arthurs Seat. Unfortunately most of the roads we’d covered were still wet from the recent showers and the twists and turns up Arthurs Seat was no exception. So the pace was a little more subdued than normal, which suited some of the riders allowing them to take more time to view the scenery, as there was a group of lycra wearing cyclists doing it the hard way to the summit.
A short stop at the top allowed some of the group to take advantage of the coffee shop and down another latte, while others were just happy to take in the view of Melbourne and surrounds in the distance. From Arthurs Seat we continued towards Red Hill then back towards Rosebud West and the back blocks of Rye. The Boneo Road led us west back to our lunch destination, The Flinders Hotel. The ol’ pub has gone a bit up-market since we last visited. I had to do a double-take when I saw the white linen table cloths and wine glasses out on the bistro tables. It was all good though. A little pricey for a club ride, but there were no complaints. After lunch the ride continued on it’s “zig zag” fashion via Main Ridge (West), Merricks (East), back down Arthurs Seat (North) which was now dry, then on to Dromana for a fuel stop and an opportunity for the Ducati Compass to stop spinning.
We then traveled a short distance up the road to check progress on the new Martha Cove development, where the boats actually cross a water bridge over the road so there’s no disruption to traffic. Julian who’s now a local in that neck of the woods took us for a short tour of the development. The road along the Mount Martha coast brought us back into Mornington. Then along Nepean Hwy to Frankston where we re-grouped and said our goodbyes before everyone headed off in all directions to their respective homes. Thanks to everyone who attended the ride. It was good see such a great turn out even though the weather appeared a bit threatening earlier in the day.
David. P
Ride Photos:
