Along the way to R,S & T

We have resolved to visit the Queenscliff and Geelong areas again -there is plenty to see.The Bellarine Rail Trail experience was enhanced by both the perfect weather and the revegatative plantings that lined the route - it certainly tops those we have ridden so far.

The camp ground in Geelong was not central so we rode to the harbour for breakfast on Thursday morning. A great path around the bay , dotted  with carved wooden figures. A selection to rival the cows of Shepparton.
For  Ben, the bandsmen of Geelong:

And for Keith - a piper in the mist...

We headed north from Geelong towards Bacchus Marsh, past the Barwon Prison ( in the news this week) around the base of the YouYangs and into the country proper. Only got caught in one storm but we seemed to be in a high traffic area for quarry trucks. About 12kms  from BM we turned right and  eventually found our target, R for Rockbank Once on the highway it now sits  beside the freeway. The caravan park's claim to fame is that its the closest park to the Bass Strait Ferry! They have 140 permanent residents - 7 visitor cabins, so that tells it all. As it was wet we took hard top accommodation and had a relaxing night.

This is the only commerce in Rockbank! This morning  we continued north through some hills and wine country; what huge mansions they build around S for Sunbury. Of note, which we  enjoyed, was the fabulous shared paths into and out of the town.

Quite a large shopping centre. From here the roads were a bit dicey- lots of trucks and no edge. The worst roads are those that have a white line right on the edge, then a dirt rut edged by loose gravel. Some significant hills which we walked. But the time we got to Roxburgh  Park I was almost despairing but hallelujah! the cycle lanes started. What a difference infrastructure makes to the experience! We zoomed along - feeling ever so safe  in quite heavy traffic. Not one horn toot - it was real pleasure. This lasted right into T for Thomastown. What a surprise here - a fabulous railway station.

Simple but effective. And now onto U. No rain today although it was forecast. Fingers crossed.