Left home, cool but dry. Arrived KBCP 9.15 am. Cameron on a GPz900 turned up followed shortly by first timer Nick on a ZZR250. Time for a cigarette and a quick chat. Danny arrives, introductions are made, route to Yarra Glen explained, and I go rear rider.

Boulevard clear of traffic but road wet and tyres cold (license definitely safe this time). Along Freeway to usual back roads and onto second pick up at Yarra Glen. Roads dry in patches. Had some fun. Nick’s ZZR seemed to be moving about a bit. Later found front tyre had only 22 psi.

Awaiting our arrival was Ben (ZXR750) (not on ride – off to Carlton versus Essendon at the MCG), Geoff (R1100GS), Ian (RF900), and Rob and Mandy (VFR750). Corner marking explained, Rob and Mandy take on rear rider duties. (A harder job than I ever thought – my apologies to those I held up.)

Off to Warburton for morning tea. Great roads with little traffic. Weather improving, sunlight making an appearance. Decided to go up Mt Donna Buang before fuel stop. Road was damp but clear of bark, not much loose gravel. Much better than my last trip here. Pass three non-ride bikes on the way up. Nearing the top visibility gets very poor. Lots of cloud cover. Follow Ian’s light. Gets brighter, I slow down. My tail light is not that bright – sorry to those behind me. At top some photos were taken, just to prove how mad some people are.

On the way down we stopped at the lookout on Acheron Way and walked around the biggest Mechano set I had ever seen! Well worth the look, thanks Danny. Rob and Mandy left here, Ian continued on his own way and I also left to go house hunting with the family. Hope the rest of the ride went smoothly. Weather was good through Healesville on my way home.

A good ride with good people. Thanks to all and well lead by Danny.