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Off to Melbourne

Date:
By Wom Battle
Category: Rides

With the National HOG Rally over Zanderhar(d) and I had planned to ride to Melbourne.  We had tickets to see Linkin Park that night and were both very keen to experience that!  Last night we were invited to join a group from one of the Victorian Chapters for a scenic ride towards Melbourne, close enough to et us onto one of the freeways into town towards our hotel for the night.

We were told 10am, there was some confusion as some were expecting 9.30am, so in our bid to be right on time to the meeting place at the start of the road down the mountain was and wasn't successful.  When we arrived half the group had left, the others were ready with engines running and started off as soon as they saw us... oops.

I was second in line, Stu and Nora in front who went down the mountain at a nice clip, passing a couple of bikes on the way and then settling in behind another.  I realised at Mansfield where we stopped for fuel that this was the rest of the group. 

After fuelling up, saying g'day we were on our way on the Maroondah Highway towards Yea.  It wasn't the way we'd come in from the Hume, so it was new territory for us and very lovely to ride in.  When we stopped at Yea I noticed a familiar smell of burning oil. Checking that out I saw that for the second time since I got the bike there was a some transmission oil on the bracket that holds the exhausy system in place, the bolts go into the transmission case.  The leak wasn't significant, I wasn't going to worry about it too much yet, but in the back of my mind was the planned long ride to Newcastle from Melbourne tomorrow.   Luch at Yea was in a great little cafe with Stu and Nora while others walked around the township in search for their favourite variety of food.

We then rode to Flowerdale, the last stop before everyone went their separate ways.  So after a quick drink, revisiting the highlights of the Rally and goodbyes we were off on the last leg to the city.  Stu and Nora led us most of the way in and pointed us onto a Freeway that got us to the bottom end of Collins Street. We trusted them implicitly despite the protestations of the GPS.

From there I knew my way, but that part of the trip wasn't fun.  High temperatures, high buildings and stop start traffic got the Road King® uncomfortably hot.  I don't know if my concerns over this aspect of the Harley-Davidson® are warranted but really, it's the only thing about the motorcycle that causes me any stress.  In any case we made it to the Hotel, only had to make one of those whacky Melbourne right turns from the left land and thankfully didn't get hit by a tram.

Settled into the Hotel, we cooled off, had dinner and headed out to the Linkin Park concert.  Nothing to do with riding or Harley-Davidson, so all I'll say on that is that it was freaking fantastic!!!!

We went to bed excited at the prospect of riding all the way from Melbourne to Newcastle tomorrow, it was time for a bit of Iron Butt riding and we were up for it if the Harley-Davidson was.

 

Disclaimer: This non commercial website and its content is not affiliated with or associated in any way with the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Harley-Davidson Australia, the Harley-Davidson Owners Group® or any Harley-Davidson® Dealers in Australia.  The use of the terms Harley-Davidson, and Road King® are unavoidable because that's what I own and ride.  This website,  called "My Harley Davidson" , and any opinions or comments expressed herein are purely about my Harley-Davidson Road King ownership experience, a truly great experience at that. I have no intention whatsoever to infringe on any trademarks or copyright ownership of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company or anyone else.


March 2024
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