Good spots/scenic rides around Melbourne ?

[Nickers777]

Hi Girls & Guys,

Being new to riding, and sadly living mostly overseas (but getting the chance at frequent visits to Oz), I was wondering if any fellow riders, in Melbourne area could share their experiences on lovely spots to go riding.. be it through the hills, along the coast and any other areas you may have found enjoyable.

There's so much 'google-mapping' one can do on a PC (from Hong Kong, especially!) so any ideas would be looked into and planned during my visits.

I have fairly extensive experience on Melbourne roads already (driving for 18yrs) and familiar with lots of Melbourne areas... but this is about learning MORE about our wonderful city, on 2 wheels 

Any thoughts, ideas very welcome...so please.. fire away !

Some pics of my new bike (my beast and I) are available in the following link - Enjoy !

http://s452.photobucket.com/albums/qq241/Nickers777_2008/

[DisgruntledDog]

The Black Spur has to be one of the great rides around Melbourne. http://www.australianmotorcycleexpo.com.au/

I haven't done it yet but plan to soonish.

I live out around Mt Macedon and there are plenty of great rides around there.

[Madbones]

 

Gday Nickers,
                   We live on a farm out in the Whittlesea area north of Melbourne. I have done most of my life. Up until recently i have only had road trails and just sold my DRZ400    and my wifes TTR230 to help fund two  gs500f's.Our first road bikes..yet to be delivered...We live off the blacktop on dirt roads in a perfect area for dirt bikes where we can ride all day on dirt without hitting the tar.My wife feels my loss and promises to get another DRZ for me one day.

If you go out through Whittlesea along Plenty rd and up to Kinglake West , hang a righty and you can ride along the top of the mountain to Kinglake ( central - has a pub and shops )then out towards  Yarra Glen -Healesville back to Ringwood,

If you go straight at Kinglake West it takes you out through Flowerdale to Yea.

Or at Kinglake Central where the pub is there is a roudabout - traveling south turn to the right ( this is a windy road with blind corners ,take it easy) travel down through St Andrews (has pub and wend market on Sat) back through Hurstbridge or Kangaroo Ground back out through Arthurs Creek. Some nice twisty roads.........

Enjoy...

Jason    

[Nickers777]

Hey DisgruntledDog (love the pic) and Madbones (Jason),

Guys, thanks very much for the info....sounds totally awesome. I'll definitely look into both your suggested areas, and riding around winding roads sounds like lots of fun. I had Sugarloaf Reservoir in mind, which would take me through the areas you mentioned Jason, so that sounds like a real go-er.
Mt Macedon was one place that came to mind recently DisgruntledDog - I'll definitely have to engage myself in an 'hour of power' in your area also.

Take care guys, safe riding.

PS - If/when I'm going riding around these areas, I'll let you know and maybe we can plan to meet somewhere for a ride... the more, the merrier.

Best Wishes,

Nick

[DisgruntledDog]

Sounds like a plan Nick.
Jason and I are not that far apart. Not a bad ride between Lancefield, through Kilmore, Wandong to Whittlesea.

The area around Sugarloaf is really great. They do have a sign saying how many motorcycle accidents have occurred since 2002 (I think), so take it easy around the corners.

Chris

[Nickers777]

Thanks Chris,

I have heard that about Sugarloaf area, and I have fond memories driving around there a number of years ago... but then again, the good ol' Kingswood could take those bends at Fighter Jet speeds   

Take care with your rides too mate... I'm having bloody withdrawal symptoms not being able to ride till my next Melbourne visit ...aaaaarrrrrrrgggggggh !!!!!

Cheers,
Nick