Dandenongs - how are the motorists lately?

[Cyclophiliac]

I have some leave coming up, and was planning to do some rides in the Dandenongs, so was wondering how the motorists are in that area lately. It's been quite a while since I last rode up there.

[TrikeTragic]

I have some leave coming up, and was planning to do some rides in the Dandenongs, so was wondering how the motorists are in that area lately. It's been quite a while since I last rode up there.

Hi CP:
Not sure I can be much help, I don't ride the Dandenongs at all. My rides are in the north east - Diamond Creek, Hurstbridge, Kangaroo Ground and thereabouts. Hills in comparison to the actual mountains of the Dandenongs! And I've only back on wheels (three) the last few weeks after 2 months not riding.
For what it's worth my observation about current motorist - cyclist interactions: generally respectful with occasional flashes of stupidity / expressions of repressed anger / "road rage".
The triggers for the less respectful incidents seem to be when the cyclist is travelling significantly slower than the motorised vehicle and its occupants - so climbing, which you might do heaps of in the hills!
Do I think the frequency of these has changed lately? Perhaps not, but Melbourne's hot weather and impending "holiday season" might have an effect too!
My observation about more frequent sources of verbal abuse, maybe threatening vehicle activity: (won't surprise you....) 4X4 and tradie utes, SUVs with a male driver (almost any age), P plated vehicles with multiple passengers.
And...I hope none of this puts you off some magnificent riding up there!

Cheers

[antigee]

Due to post covid health and other commitments not been to the Dandenong Ranges since March but did notice some road improvements earlier this year...wider and longer shoulders on Devils bend ascent and some improvements (plus lower speed limits?) on the Tourist rd around Sassafras. I usually take the road past the school north of Olinda to avoid the pinch points on the bends.
I always try to avoid on holiday weekends and reckon Monday is a good day as less small trucks with "urgent" deliveries to Restaurants/Cafes, other local tradies with a time is money and anti cyclist attitude are available all week

[Cyclophiliac]

Yes, I also use the smaller (but steeper) road between Mt Dandenong township and Olinda, having had a very close encounter one day while using the main road along that section. To clarify: I've ridden the Dandenongs heaps of times, just not in the last few years, so I was just wondering how it's been lately.