Black Dog Ride - Day 1

There's no doubt about it, a good cause always brings out the best in people and day 1 of the Victorian leeg of the Black Dog Ride was no exception.  It was an early start at the BP Service Station at Calder Park and what a start it was.  Around 40 bikes lined up ready to tackle the appalling weather that had been sent our way.

The starting point near Calder Park brought terrible

conditions.  Everyone was trying to get their bike undercover.

As the rain cxame down even heavier we headed off towards our first destination, Heathcote, for a morning tea put on by the local Lions club.

We turned off the Calder Highway and headed towards Bulla on the Bulla-Diggers Rest Road.  I have never seen anything like, as continually had to traverse many 'water-crossings', the weather had been so bad that water was running off the hills and across the road.  In some places it was so deep we had to slow to almost walking pace.  It certainly wasn't the best of conditions for a low slung cruiser.

Once we were off this road and onto the Melbourne-Lancefield Road things improved although it did rain almost all the way to Heathcote.

The support we were given by the Lions club was fantastic, they put on hot drinks and plenty of sandwiches and biscuits, exactly what was needed to warm up and fill the belly.  It was only a 105 kilometre ride, but the cold and wet certainly made it painful, when the sun finally started to breakthrough it was great, especially as we were headig further towards the Great Dividing Range where it had snowed just the day before.

The next leg was to Shepperton, where again the Lions club would be helping us.  Another ride of around 105 kilometres, and now the sun was starting to shine unfortunately the wind wasd also starting to pickup.  We headed to Nagambie, the place where a hero of mine lives, Tony Gaze.  We went straight through this picturesque town and on towards Shepperton via the Goulburn Valley Highway.  Thankfully this was only a short run as the road is straight and boring.

As we had lunch at Shepperton, and got to know each other, it was pointed out how many cow statues there are in Shepperton.  It's amazing, they are all life size and yet painted in all sorts of weird and wonderful schemes.  It really is worth checking out.

The final leg for the day was a 123 kilometres to Bendigo, our resting place for the night.  Generally a trip to Bendigo would take only 90 minutes or so however, travelling this way, although it took all day, allowed for some beautiful country to be seen on roads you wouldn't normally use.  It was great as we headed through Tatura and Rushworth.

Once in Bendigo we headed straight to the Ascot Big 4 Caravan Park for our accomodation.  Modest little cabins, yet with a warm shower and even warmer bed.  Great!

Again the local Lions club was on hand to help us and put on a dinner at the Bendigo Bowls Club.  The meal simple home cooked fair, yet was very welcomed after a day of riding.  The night ended with a presentation about mental illness including depression; bipolar disorder; and suicide.  It was great to hear this poinnt of view.  Victorian ride organiser, Ric Raftis, was great with his presentation and sympathy.

The night finished with a raffle draw, and an auction and must've raised around a few thousand dollars for the Black Dog Institute.  Then it was back to the cabin to write this blog and watch a little Tora! Tora! Tora!

Can't wait for better weather tomorrow and a great ride to Swan Hill.