Great Ocean Road

Melbourne was hectic and stressful and I'm glad we're leaving. It was nice having hot showers and good food but I want to get back to the riding.

The trip out of Melbourne is much calmer than the trip in. It rains lightly but not even that is going to darken my mood today. Because today we start on the Great Ocean Road.

First stop is Torquay and then onto the world famous Bell's Beach. This is one of the most popular (and insane) surf beaches. There are the usual mad surfers in the freezing water and a couple of paragliders catching lift off the cliffs. An ancient Tiger Moth flies past at 500 feet. One day I want to fly one of those planes myself.

The Great Ocean Road is reknowned for tight corners, hairpins, steep climbs and descents. It's everything a motorcyclist could ask for. The start of the Great Ocean Road is marked on the highway by a wooden arch over the road, similar to the arches over the finish line on grand prix circuits. It's probably sending the wrong message to motorists, especially given the accident rate on this stretch, but it feels right nonetheless.

Unfortunately no sooner than I start the stretch does the rain begin. It's only a light drizzle but it makes the road slippery and unpredictable. I'm a terrible wet weather rider and with 100 foot cliff face drops to my left, I take it very cautiously. I don't know where the wet limits are on this bike annd this is the wrong road to find out.

Thankfully the showers are isolated and soon the road turns dry. I open the bike up and wring it for all she's worth. The V-Strom never fails to deliver. The third gear has enough torque to pull through an uphill hairpin, yet enough legs to sprint out to [ed: the speed limit of 80kph] on the straights. I keep trying to sneak glances at the scenery, aware that it's all blurring past so quickly, but there's simply no time. The bike dips quickly into each corner but I have to give it my full attention.

It starts to turn dark and gloomy once we reach Apollo Bay so we make camp there. More of the Ocean Road tomorrow... the weather report says early morning drizzle, that will make for an exciting ride.