Riders: Ben Warden – ZXR750 (leader) Theo Kalkandis – R 1

Scott Schrieke – CBR600 Jack Youdan – Daytona (rear #2)

Ray Walker – GSXR750 Ron Johnston –CB400

Enzo – RF900 Geoff Jones – RZ350 (rear #1)

Ian Payne – RF900 Mick Hanlon – YZF600

Ben had been co-opted to lead this ride as our designated leader. Tim Walker had crashed his bike at Broadford the week before and broken his right collarbone. Geoff volunteered for rear riding duties - something about not subjecting us to the smelly 2 stroke - and Ben gave the pre-ride talk with special emphasis on the correct corner marking procedure.

We headed off in damp and overcast conditions for Healesville, where along the way June caught up and joined us for a brief time before departing with Lyn for more pleasant surroundings. Across to Launching Place, Warburton, and then up Mt Donna Buang. Due to the over-night storms the road was covered in plenty of leaf litter and bark. Being quite damp made for cautious progress. (The fact the road was shrouded in about 15 feet of fog – steam rising off the road – may have had something to do with it … Ed.) Ray proceeded only to the half way point after having a "big moment" and thought a cigarette and the break would help settle his nerves.

At the top of Mt Donna Buang we noticed the Look-out Tower had come in for some renovations so most of us sprinted up to admire the view, which would have been great if not for the low clouds. A large clap of thunder and lightning soon had us scurrying down and onto the bikes. On our way down the mountain there was a couple of places where the temperature & humidity combined to instantly fog up mirrors, visors, eyeglasses, in fact everything. This led to some heart stopping moments, as it always seemed to happen just before a sharp bend.

Back in Warburton for morning tea and a chance to dry out and savour the treats from the Bakery. Geoff tried to liven us up by dropping a glass juice bottle onto the footpath (he put it in a pocket with no bottom!). Petrol for some, then onto Reefton and the Spur. At the turn-off some other riders warned us of the abundance of leaf and bark at the top of The Spur so a careful start was made. However, even in these conditions Scott seemed to be enjoying himself, but I suppose coming from Ballarat a little rain is of no concern!

A re-group at Cumberland Junction, then the few kays of dirt that was nice and slimy. A tell-tail skid mark leading into a corner was evidence of Ron going a "bit quick" for the conditions. Neglecting Lake Mountain we proceeded directly down to Marysville, which was surprisingly devoid of motorcycles. We fuelled up then headed for Narbethong, but just on the outskirts of Marysville, Mr Plod had positioned himself with his trusty ‘radar’ to catch speeding lawbreakers. Fortunately for us he already had his hands full with some cars.

Through Narbethong then a sensational run down the Black Spur as it was DRY and we only encountered a few cars near the Healesville end. It was decided to break up here as the weather still looked threatening and most of us had had enough. Thanks to Ben for leading at such short notice and Geoff for the rear riding duties.

Due to the next ride being my Port Cambell weekend, the emergency kit was left with me and consequently, I left it on the ground in Healesville. OOPS, but thanks to Mick Hanlon it was retrieved and returned to my care. Thanks Mick.