It was a very wet Westgate Bridge Shell service station, the meeting place. I arrived pretty much dead on time to find Ian and the lads from Balls Engineering: Ron Solomon (Suzuki 1340), Rick Eguchi (Suzuki 1340) and James Lockstone (Suzuki 1200). The bikes they ride are yesterdays heroes, but the engines produce more power than most current machines. That’s what happens when you put big bore kits in Suzuki’s GSXR1100 motors. Shortly after Dave Ward showed on Bron’s RGV250. Probably not the ideal bike for a rainy day but would you risk a Ducati 748? It was looking like a fairly small group, although someone was obviously missing. Then Ben arrived in traditional fashion, about five minutes late.

So away we went down the Geelong Road, which must be one of the worst roads in terms of sheer boredom. There is nothing you can do to make this strip interesting other than get fined for excessive speed. (Actually Wayne, we got off Geelong Road as soon as possible at Little River and went all the back roads to Anglesea …Ed.) Thankfully the rain cleared fairly quickly and we were soon on the Great Ocean Road.

The lads from Balls Engineering were pushing hard and thoroughly enjoying the road. Rick who had bounced down the road only two weeks earlier didn’t seem entirely happy with his bike saying the frame was bent. Ron’s bike was the only one which didn’t appear smashed. Dave was melting through, but you would be disappointed if he wasn’t. I think he and Ben were providing the inspiration for the Balls Performance Boys. However when you’re pushing that hard sometimes things do go wrong as they did before Aireys Inlet. James was attempting a left hander just that bit quick and ended up going straight. The embankment actually did a terrific job of cushioning the impact. A smashed fairing and a few other bits and pieces were damaged. The repair work was minimal and away we went. Ben was following James at the time and did think he was turning into that left hander very late….

Anyone who is heading down that way take note that the section up to Lavers Hills is currently being worked upon so gravel is there to greet you. Also we had to endure the fog as well although there is a certain thrill one gets from riding is trying conditions.

Everyone did their own thing in the afternoon. I did the touristy bit in Port Campbell, Ben and Ian went for a ride around the hills and ended up taking photos at the 12 Apostles, and the Balls Engineering Boys checked out the pub scene in Port Campbell. We came together again for tea at 6.30 pm at the restaurant attached to the motel complex. Ron had some pretty interesting and funny observations on life, particularly how they affected his business. Very amusing evening.

The accommodation was great: one big cabin for the lot of us costing bugger all when split 7 ways. No neighbours to annoy, a little hay shed to park the bikes in, comfortable beds, a great shower and a good telly! The meals were very good with later entertainment being a games room. Admittedly the games were in a shed along with a heated in ground swimming pool. Ian, Ben and myself enjoyed a refreshing swim until quite late when it was time to turn in, whereas James and Rick figured they might be in for some lovin’ at the local night club. I don’t think it turned out to be the case but they were in there trying. Walking the 500 metres home in the pitch dark proved challenging.

The trip home was via Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek and Deans Marsh. Dave and myself were keen to get home so pressed on from Moriac where the grouped had stopped to grab a drink. It was quite warm at this stage and the trip down the Geelong road is just the worst. You actually look forward to getting home. All up a great weekend and a nice break from the suburbs. Thanks to Ian for the organisation and Ben for leading. (I was rear rider.)