by Rachael Grabham ‘Rally Rach’
We (Brett and I) left home in drizzly rain at about 7.30 AM to meet up with the group at Kinglake for Brett to give his pre-ride brief before planning to depart at 9.30 am. We were also met by John & Damien before they headed off to do the recce for the upcoming Toolangi Grade 2 & 3 rides.
Light rain persisted for about the first hour or so but we finally had a break in the weather and were able to enjoy some enjoyable riding. We got to Briers Lookout at about 11.30 AM and enjoyed the amazing view overlooking Lake Eilden.
After leaving the lookout, we had another half hour until we were due to arrive at the Bonnie Doon Hotel for lunch. What is a ride to Bonnie Doon without stopping by ‘The Castle’ for a quick pic!
Ray & Pete
Lunch was a good break to enjoy some good food, a cold drink and a toilet break before we headed off for the second part of our adventure.
Brett, Luke, Tim, Paul, Ray – Peter, Michael, John, Casey, Craig
After heading off from Bonnie Doon at about 1.30 PM we continued on-route – this next section of the ride was probably my favourite (up until just before the Cheviot Tunnel) when we had a quick stop to put on our wet weather gear as the rain drops started to get a bit bigger and more frequent.
The rain was coming! At this point, we opted to finish the ride at the Glenburn United Petrol Station, just this side of Kinglake. We got to our final destination at about 4 PM which is where most of us refueled before saying our goodbyes and heading off on our separate ways.
After leaving the ‘scheduled’ ride – the adventure wasn’t over for Brett, Pete and I. As we headed through Kinglake and over to Whittlesea, we were presented with constant rain and FOG! Oh my gosh, the fog was the worst. At this stage, I was grateful Brett was in front leading and Pete was behind me as I felt somewhat protected. Pete left us at Wallan while Brett and I stopped for a coffee to warm us before we continued on the home stretch (another 40 minutes…)
By the time we got home at about 6.15 PM, we were drenched and frozen! But I was happy and proud that I had successfully completed my first group ride! Thank you to everyone who took part in the ride and for making me feel so welcome – especially to Pete and Ray for being so encouraging throughout the day. I am looking forward to the next ride although I’m hoping for some better weather! 😉