Ben Warden ZXR750, Bruce Saville VFR800, Peter Doak TLR1000, Trevor Harris FJ1200, Ken Wright R1, Geoff Barton GS1100, Rhys Williams ZX7r.

Hallam, 10am and overcast, …wet weather gear or not? Not really the way to begin a four-day jaunt to some of the best motorcycle roads in Oz. However, undaunted and after a quick run down of the day’s planned activities by Ben, our intrepid leader, we were away. An easy cruise down the usual route via Ellinbank to Moe for a late morning break, picking up Geoff Barton on his GS1100 on our way through Yarragon.

After topping up with food, drinks, and fuel, Ben led us out of town through to Maffra and back to the highway at Stratford so Peter could keep that thirsty TLR alive. From Stratford the roads really lift a notch into some really fantastic winding sweepers leading to the Cobbannah Junction where the Dargo Rd really seems to start. The road leading to Dargo seems to be one of those love it or hate it affairs. Personally I love it. Unfortunately after this day Ken Wright probably hates it. About 5km south of Wannagatta Caravan Park Ken overcooked it a bit into a slow left hander and paid a pretty hefty price. Damaging 3 vertebrae, he wrote off his immaculate R1, and copped a ride to the Alfred in a chopper.

The people from Wannagatta deserve a vote of thanks in organizing to drag the Yam. back to the Caravan Park. I believe they mentioned that they could probably fix it…..Yeah right.

Complicating matters was the fact that we needed fuel and the whole area was suffering a power loss……no electricity…..no petrol pumps. In the end the caravan park helped out with a 20 litre jerry of fuel. Sharing it around, we pushed on to Bairnsdale for some food and to top up the bikes. Heading out from Bairnsdale on Highway No.1 meant we had a nice legal ride to Bruthen and then upped the pace a little through to Orbost and the not so magnificent Commercial Hotel.

We hadn't finished the first day and we were down one member already. We all really felt for Ken. I know how keen he was to do this ride. We wish him a speedy recovery.