Melbourne man safe after overnight search

Updated November 2 2012 - 10:13am, first published July 4 2008 - 1:38pm

A MELBOURNE man missing in the Wombat State Forest Thursday night was found safe and well after he contacted his mother from Bacchus Marsh yesterday.Patrick Fletcher, 20, was reported missing about 5.30pm Thursday when he failed to meet his father at a rendezvous point at the McKenzie picnic area at 8am.Mr Fletcher was travelling alone on a planned mountain bike trip traveling south from Glenlyon to Blackwood and then through the Lerderderg State Park to his home in Glen Iris.Trentham and Daylesford Police last night scoured local roads and tracks concerned for his welfare because of predicted low temperatures and the limited supplies Mr Fletcher was carrying with him.Trentham Police Sergeant Greg Falkiner said while the trip had been well planned and Mr Fletcher was an experienced mountain bike rider, a simple breakdown in communication had led to his search.``They did plan the route together but there was a communication breakdown about the time at the rendezvous, and the timing wasn't right and they arrived at different times twice to find the other wasn't there.''Sgt Falkiner said the incident should serve as a reminder to people to make sure everybody was aware of intended travel plans and arrival times.

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