Spring on the Great Ocean Road

The weather forecast promised so much - foggy then sunshine and 16C. The reality of the weather was not quite so good. However, Steve and I managed an enjoyable run along part of the GOR and through the Otways. Being mid week there was very little traffic compared with the weekends.

A scenic spot to stop for a chat.

Actually the GOR was far from at its best today. We've experienced torrential rain in Southern Australia over the past few days. While there has not been flooding along the coast here, there has been significant rain induced damage to the GOR. There were frequent streams running across the road and evidence of many small land slides and rock falls that resulted in a lot of muddy debris, particularly on the cliff side of the road.

The weather changed from sunshine in Lorne to raining in Apollo Bay and part of the way inland up through the Otways.

As the old saying goes, 'it's an ill wind that blows no good' and to that extent is was great to see that the West Barwon Dam is 70% full after these heavy Spring rains. It has not been this full in years due to the succession of droughts we've had.

Afternoon run with a black Commando

Mrs Tarsnakes & I hooked up with my mate Steve for a quick run up to Forrest for a coffee and check out the West Barwon Dam.

The Black Commando

 Steve & Jules

D & J. Steve suggested that he should take some shots of us - thanks mate!

All up a great afternoon's riding. Great to catch up with Steve and get a ride in as well.

Afternoon on the Great Ocean Road

Yesterday Steve and I took an afternoon run from his place near Colac through the Otways to Skene's Creek, then along the GOR to Lorne, then home through the hills via Dean's Marsh.

Pulled up past Forrest for me to swap from my dark visor. It was quite overcast & gloomy under the canopy of the trees, although the pic doesn't show it. Here's Steve by my VFR.

Steve's Commando roadside in the bush

We pulled in at Cape Patton to take in the views and have a chat. The sun had come out and it was really nice riding weather.

VFR & Norton at the Cape Patton lookout on the Great Ocean Road.


We had an uninterrupted run from Lorne up through the twisties to Dean's Marsh, where we went our separate ways .
Bikes at Martian's Cafe carpark.

All up a grand afternoon's riding in one of the most scenic parts of Victoria.

12 Apostles

Yesterday the "West Coast Procrastinators" took a run to the 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road (Vic) in excellent Spring conditions. Our route was Geelong, Colac, Gellibrand, Lavers Hill then to the Apostles via the Great Ocean Road. From there we headed inland along some interesting backroads; Simpson (no fuel available), Kennedy's Creek, and the very pretty run through the bush from Carlisle River back to Colac. A previous post at CLICK HERE shows some pics of these backroads. The lack of traffic on these backroads is great, though I did have a 'roo stand up in the shade on the side of the road as I approached!

Lunch stop at Blackwood Gully, Lavers Hill.


There was quite a bit of salt spray in the air making it difficult to get crisp shots.



Andy aboard the '69 Commando 750

Steve's Commando 750

Here's a map of some of the route we took.


What could be more cute?

Commando sounds 27 Jan 2008