Five Melbourne Branch members (Colin, Gary, Mike, Pat and I) rode to the Victorian Branch mid- Winter Meet n Greet at Newstead today. 

We met at Epping, had a brief chat with Brendan Mulholland

(Today's BMWs were a GS, an RS and and XR. Pat's Triumph and my Honda rounded out the group)

and rode off north to Wallan enjoying sunshine.  We turned west and rode through some lovely countryside and scenery past Romsey and on to Woodend.  Cold, mist and wet roads greeted us we passed between Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon - which was invisible behind the clouds.   It then deteriorated to drizzle as we rode north again and we stopped at Malmsbury,

(Gary on his RS)

donned some extra wet weather gear and rode on.

The old buildings around Chewton are lovely, but we all agreed that the speed limits approaching it were silly (50 KPH in the bush well before town) and beyond aggravating.  Grr!   

Not much later we arrived in Newstead and were greeted by lots of fellow Ulysseans and even saw sunshine again.    I failed to take sufficient photos.

(John Harkin - the prime organiser and me at Newstead)

Time disappeared rapidly chatting with lots of fellow Ulysseans from many places in Victoria.  I won't name them, all but I do recall chatting with members from Geelong, Grampians, West Gate Wanderers, Whittlesea and many more.  I also caught up with former branch president Hank who had called by to catch with everyone after the recent long walks in Spain Maryanne and he had done in Spain.    

The need to ride home arrived all too soon.

Gary Mike and I rode a different route home via Franklinford and Tylden to Woodend and this provided more open roads.  The weather between Daylesford and Woodend was frankly dismal with mist, rain and wet roads.  However, the riding was actually quite enjoyable and we managed a good pace.     Mike and I continued east to Yan Yean and had sunshine and dry roads along the way. 

 We parted company and I enjoyed the rest of my ride via Arthurs Seat, Panton Hill and Warrandyte and arrived home after riding a bit over 400 km for the day.

 Thanks to those who organised the gathering and those who came out despite the forecasts and made it such a rewarding day out.