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Log inMidweek Ride to Apollo Bay 8th Nov '23
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Midweek Ride to Apollo Bay 8th Nov '23
by Mark Nicoll Sat Nov 11, 2023 4:52 pm
Ride Leader & Ride Report – Mark Nicoll
Photos: Mark Nicoll & Peter "the Lens" Barclay
This ride was planned and to be led by Peter Townsend, but unfortunately a week or so out – he and Pam got Covid.
I was the back-up plan, so with a re-jig of Peter’s plan, it was ready to go.
The weather had been a bit dicey, with thunderstorms in the days prior, but I trusted that we would be okay on the day.
I shortened the ride from 300km to 230km, with a plan to watch the weather radar just in case.
13 riders at the start, in the sunshine, ready to go, heading off on time after a group photo.
Just to keep everyone guessing, we headed off via Ceres, Barrabool, Mt Moriac and then over to the Anglesea Rd and down the GOR and
into Maids General Store in Anglesea for coffee and snacks.
Interestingly, as we rode into Anglesea, there was a sea mist covering the town.
The temperature dropped and there was a slight but brief drizzle.
As we left to head back to our bikes, two of our members (not on the ride) showed up in the car park, heading for a coffee themselves.
Of course, they were invited to join us, but they said it was too far… They shall therefore remain nameless!
And two who came just to the morning stop also left us to go home.
Then off along the GOR, where the sea mist cleared up by about Aireys Inlet. Weird.
We headed up the back of the Lorne township, up to the top of a bluff, with a lookout called Teddy’s Lookout. No idea who Teddy was.
A quick search later revealed that how it was named has been lost, but it was either
a. Named after Queen Victoria’s son Edward, or
b. Named after a donkey that roamed the area last century.
Take your pick! They’re were probably both asses…
It gives a great view of a beautiful bay and beaches, the GOR winding away, and the ocean to the South.
This was a chat with a lady who was 94 yrs old, and unfortunately could not make the short walk down to the viewing point!
From here it was back to the GOR and the beautiful winding road and magnificent scenery all the way to Apollo Bay.
Interrupted only by a couple of slow vehicles for a stretch, and some minor roadworks.
A leisurely lunch at the bakery/cafes, and then work out who was continuing with us via Forrest, as a few were returning via the GOR.
Once sorted, and cats herded… off we went.
We had a great run up over the ranges on the Apollo Bay - Forrest Rd, with only one delay for an escorted drive through about 2km of roadworks.
It was dirt, but very smooth and even all the way through. It seems it wouldn't be an official ride if we didn't have some roadworks and some dirt!
It’s a beautiful part of the Otways, and always a pleasure to ride, especially now with a lot of new surfacing.
Through Forrest and into Barwon Downs for a quick rest stop, then via Murroon, Bambra, onto the Cape Otway Rd, finishing the ride in Moriac.
And the forecast thunderstorms kept to Melbourne and the East, so the weather was mild and sunny and better than expected all day!
To sum up:
13 riders – Anglesea – and then there were 11.
11 riders – Lorne – and then there were 10.
10 riders – Apollo Bay – and then there were 6.
6 riders – Barwon Downs – and then there 5.
Thanks everyone for coming along. Thanks to Raff for TEC duties.
See you on the next one!
Photos: Mark Nicoll & Peter "the Lens" Barclay
This ride was planned and to be led by Peter Townsend, but unfortunately a week or so out – he and Pam got Covid.
I was the back-up plan, so with a re-jig of Peter’s plan, it was ready to go.
The weather had been a bit dicey, with thunderstorms in the days prior, but I trusted that we would be okay on the day.
I shortened the ride from 300km to 230km, with a plan to watch the weather radar just in case.
13 riders at the start, in the sunshine, ready to go, heading off on time after a group photo.
Just to keep everyone guessing, we headed off via Ceres, Barrabool, Mt Moriac and then over to the Anglesea Rd and down the GOR and
into Maids General Store in Anglesea for coffee and snacks.
Interestingly, as we rode into Anglesea, there was a sea mist covering the town.
The temperature dropped and there was a slight but brief drizzle.
As we left to head back to our bikes, two of our members (not on the ride) showed up in the car park, heading for a coffee themselves.
Of course, they were invited to join us, but they said it was too far… They shall therefore remain nameless!
And two who came just to the morning stop also left us to go home.
Then off along the GOR, where the sea mist cleared up by about Aireys Inlet. Weird.
We headed up the back of the Lorne township, up to the top of a bluff, with a lookout called Teddy’s Lookout. No idea who Teddy was.
A quick search later revealed that how it was named has been lost, but it was either
a. Named after Queen Victoria’s son Edward, or
b. Named after a donkey that roamed the area last century.
Take your pick! They’re were probably both asses…
It gives a great view of a beautiful bay and beaches, the GOR winding away, and the ocean to the South.
This was a chat with a lady who was 94 yrs old, and unfortunately could not make the short walk down to the viewing point!
From here it was back to the GOR and the beautiful winding road and magnificent scenery all the way to Apollo Bay.
Interrupted only by a couple of slow vehicles for a stretch, and some minor roadworks.
A leisurely lunch at the bakery/cafes, and then work out who was continuing with us via Forrest, as a few were returning via the GOR.
Once sorted, and cats herded… off we went.
We had a great run up over the ranges on the Apollo Bay - Forrest Rd, with only one delay for an escorted drive through about 2km of roadworks.
It was dirt, but very smooth and even all the way through. It seems it wouldn't be an official ride if we didn't have some roadworks and some dirt!
It’s a beautiful part of the Otways, and always a pleasure to ride, especially now with a lot of new surfacing.
Through Forrest and into Barwon Downs for a quick rest stop, then via Murroon, Bambra, onto the Cape Otway Rd, finishing the ride in Moriac.
And the forecast thunderstorms kept to Melbourne and the East, so the weather was mild and sunny and better than expected all day!
To sum up:
13 riders – Anglesea – and then there were 11.
11 riders – Lorne – and then there were 10.
10 riders – Apollo Bay – and then there were 6.
6 riders – Barwon Downs – and then there 5.
Thanks everyone for coming along. Thanks to Raff for TEC duties.
See you on the next one!
Last edited by Mark Nicoll on Sun Nov 12, 2023 9:45 am; edited 1 time in total
Mark Nicoll
Sheryl Townsend likes this post
Re: Midweek Ride to Apollo Bay 8th Nov '23
by Jules Pearce Sat Nov 11, 2023 7:55 pm
It looks like it was an excellent ride Mark. I'm really sorry that I missed it!
Jules Pearce
Re: Midweek Ride to Apollo Bay 8th Nov '23
by Sheryl Townsend Mon Nov 13, 2023 9:05 am
Thanks for stepping in Mark - it was a great ride
Sheryl Townsend
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