Ride length: 205 kms

Danny Kosinski, VFR750 Martin Hasty, Blackbird

Ray Walker GSXR750 Ian & Sherry Handforth, Yamaha Tenere

Geoff Jones, ZZR600 (leader) Cosimo Comodo, SZR660

Rob, VTR1000 Dave Hines, ZX9R

Jacinta Thomas, CBR600 Priya Munasinghe, CBR250

Jeff Hornby, ZX6R Jon Riddett, K1100

Kathy Robinson &Derek Atkinson, CBR600

(13 bikes, 15 people)

The day started out a little bit cool and overcast as one by one the group gradually grew at Yarra Glen. This was my first ride with the Club for at least 12 months and it was good to see some familiar faces. I am writing this report in exchange for my chain being adjusted at our first stop. Truth be known, I think everyone was getting sick of the noise of the chain hitting the centre stand and I received some interesting gestures from people as they were marking corners. We headed off towards Healesville in usual MTCV style, on some lovely roads including the old favourites, Christmas Hills and onto Kinglake via Panton Hill and St. Andrews.

The stop at Kinglake turned into lunch, with general catching up and Geoff adjusting my chain. I always knew that "O"ring chains are better, but now thanks to Jon, I know what they look like!

Jon Riddett decided that as much fun as we were having he would have to leave us to service the car and do some gardening!!

The sky was by now blue and the riding conditions were very pleasant. We continued the loop going via Break O Day and Flowerdale to Whittlesea. It was on this stretch that Danny acquired his new nickname "Pin Ball Wizard". He tried to squeeze between two cars going in opposite directions! Looking from behind I hear it was quite a sight and he was very lucky to stay in the saddle. One car sustained a scratch and lost a mirror. Hard to tell if there was any damage to the VFR!

Even though that was supposed to be the end of the ride, everyone was still keen to keep going and when Geoff offered to take us to Kangaroo ground, we all tagged along. At Kangaroo Ground a few of us decided to head for the pub at Warrandyte. We had a very pleasant hour or so in the sunshine.

Ray thought it would be a good idea to introduce Cosimo and Priya to the Reefton Spur, a road I can never resist, so the four of us headed off. By the time we got through the Reefton it was getting dark, but lots of smiles after such a great road, so we headed off through the Black Spur in the dark, always an interesting experience.

At the end of another perfect day we warmed up with coffees in Healesville and finally headed home. Thanks to Geoff for a good ride. See you on the next one.

Jacinta Thomas (Honda CBR600)