The ZXR took a minute of cranking before it finally kicked into life. The trip back from Canberra on the back of the trailer must have jolted the carbies around somewhat and it is often difficult to start after such a trip. Never-the-less it fired and we were away heading into glorious sunshine, even if it was only 4 deg. C. Sitting at the lights at Bulla Rd I thought I saw Wayne skoot through the intersection. It took about 10 km of the Western Ring Road to catch him. I had mistakenly told him the night before that the pick-up was Whittlesea and would have hated for him to take the Hume exit and end up Whittlesea, nowhere near Yarra Glen. Luckily he had the good sense to check the itinerary for himself.

Round the Western ring-road to Greensborough and across to Diamond Creek and the new roundabout. Wayne went straight, I turned right. I thought Wayne either new another way, needed fuel, or had been mistaken. He was mistaken, eventually meeting up again at Yarra Glen, the second pick-up point. Sixteen bikes and 17 people is an excellent turnout in the middle of winter on a cold, but very sunny day. Good to see Geoff Barton back after his enforced absence.

Paul outlined the day’s activities and we were away, though the R6 still had its seat off, chasing tacho problems. Revving it to what sounded like 10,000 rpm had a few of us mechanically- sympathetic minded wincing. Memories of Ray’s GSR motor are still fresh. Rob Matricciani (rear rider) patiently rounded up all the stragglers.

Back through Christmas Hills I followed Paul at a steady rate, corner marking at Kangaroo Ground with Craig, who had come whistling by at full noise. Ever the extrovert.

There seemed to be quite a few half familiar faces. Miss a couple of weeks and there seem to be more faces you don’t know than you do. What must it be like to miss a month or more? While contemplating these and other great mysteries of life, rear rider Rob was on us in no time. We headed for St Andrews and Arthurs Creek, loosing a couple of new riders at Hurstbridge in the search for fuel. (They caught up again at Yea.) At Yan Yean we picked up Plenty Road for the sedate trip into Whittlesea, followed by my favourite set of twisty roads to Yea for morning tea. Knowing the road and surface well, I was not particularly bothered by the wet and dry patches, or the low blinding sun on occasion. It was grouse, especially the run down Junction Hill.

A long morning tea at Yea allowed me to gather names, collect a couple of new memberships including filling out the forms, scoff a piece of home made cake, distribute a couple of itineraries to new faces, supply a 6 mm bolt to secure the CBR600 brake lever mounting, and talk the talk of course. Good roads, good weather, good company. What could be better?

On the road again we headed up the highway to Molesworth before turning right for Alexandra on the good road. Shane on the R6 (I want one) passed me up the hill, I passed him around a corner, he passed me along the straight, I passed him around the corner, he followed me there afterwards. Good for an old bloke’s ego that was.

Into Fraser National Park and up the hill, turning left at the top roundabout and climbing steeply down on a dodgy gravelly surface. Now I really felt the weight of the ZXR, road wet and dry, some corners tightening up nastily. We all made it to the carpark, forked out our $2.20 ($2 plus GST), and rode another kilometer to the bottom carpark from where we walked to the Coller Bay Homestead. An interesting half an hour or so was spent walking in and out of the homestead ruins, trying to work out what each building may have been used for. Some of the structure dated back to the early 1880s. Ian took a few photos and I had some from another trip with Lyn and Eddie in summer when we reached the same spot, travelling by boat.

Eildon for lunch, another leisurely affair. It was a really sensational day for riding and talking. Riding the W model GSXR was none other than Chris Oldfield, former well known Gonwallock Ducati Superbike racer of yesteryear. Back in the Robbie Phyllis, Mal Campbell days. Rhys and I discussed the November Melbourne Cup Weekend options. The Orbost, Bombala, Walwa loop staying in hotel accommodation had a pleasant ring to it. Start planning your annual leave now!

Ian, Rhys, John Curry and Wayne departed directly for home. Ian was heading to a niece’s birthday party and skipped lunch. Bad move, as the party was cancelled at the last moment. After travelling over the Reefton in trying conditions he was ready for refreshments.

As it was now 3 pm, and the sun sinking fast, we set off for home. But first a quick look at the old dam wall poking through a couple of metres above the water. Apparently the water has risen 10 metres in the last few weeks with the recent good rains. It was possible to walk the complete length of the dam wall. There was some confusion in Eildon as some people headed for fuel one way and the leader headed the other. Rob and Craig rounded them up and no harm was done. At the same time I went looking for Lyn to drop in a batch of photos.

Lyn and Eddie were out exploring trails on their dirt bikes so I left the photos in their car and gave her a call the next day. Trails that may be used in a future dirt ride around the Lake. Lyn and Eddie spent much of the time clearing the tracks and roads of fallen debris, as if a tornado had gone through, were Lyn’s words. See upcoming itinerary (front page) for description and details of upcoming ride. Should be an easy, fun ride. Bring a camera to capture those unusual sights.

Taggerty, Buxton and Narbethong came and went, the ride stringing out. The Black Spur was choked with cars, though I made good time, enjoying a few clear stretches. If only they would fix a few of the bumps! We regrouped, refueled and bade our farewells at Healesville. Craig, Paul and I headed back across to Yarra Glen, Christmas Hills and the Western Ring Road. In the traffic and low sun we became separated, but I pressed on, the day done.

Thanks Paul for an excellent ride to a rare destination worthy of a photo or two. Special mention to Rob Matricciani for his fine rear riding, probably the most onerous task on a ride, with some days more onerous than others. Today may have been one of those.

Yarra Glen to Healesville was 270 km. Home to home 380 km seeing 131,000 km clock over on the old beast. Maybe I will shout her some plugs for easier winter starting!

Ben Warden (Kawasaki ZXR750)