YZF600 Paul Tallents VFR800 Jack Youdan

YZF750 Craig Morley ZXR750 Ben Warden

VFR750 Danny Kosinski ZX9 Mick Bosworth

VFR750 Mark Turner YZF600 Stewart (2^nd ride)

ZX900 Wayne Grant and Verity

It’s Mother’s Day, or as one FM station calls it, "Some Mothers Do Have Em" day, so it is expected that only riders without mothers will attend the ride.

Not so, as we find out at Whittlesea start, where there are nine bikes and one pillion. Leader, Paul Tallents, and rear rider, Jack Youdan, get us off on the first wintry-weather (cold but dry) ride for many months.

Paul knows these roads and we are on the Wandong-Broadford-Tallarook-Seymour-Michellstown — route to coffee stop at Nagambie at noon. Here two riders depart (to see their mums no doubt) leaving seven bikes. We press on via Heathcote to Lake Eppalock’s foundation stone.

What’s this? The first fine rain for the day and we are helping two riders struggle into their new rain suits. A big job wasted as rain has stopped 200 meters after leaving the stop!

Here we are just-up-the-road for a 2pm lunch stop in Axedale where Ben leaves the ride.

The remaining six people ride via Lancefield, Wallan and Romsey back to Whittlesea but via the Glenburnie Road "track". I have only been up this road but down is an experience…. Altogether in keeping with the Honda’s gravity meter measuring 2.2 G Force on left hand and 1.9 on right — well it feels like it anyway!

Back in Whittlesea (dispersal) Paul told us we did 402 km while someone else recorded 389. Whatever, it was long, arduous, somewhat cold, and very good. Thanks Paul.

Jack Gravity Youdan (Honda VFR800)

Sandown Ride Day is progressing well, but there are still quite a few places. See Wayne Grant with your money and he will give you a receipt that will act as an entry ticket. To answer a few frequently asked questions: Yes, slicks will be allowed but no race bikes. Pillions don’t have to pay but must be 18 years old and complete an indemnity form. It has been suggested that the noise restrictions are very reasonable. The inner track (more turns, better for bikes) will be used. Leathers are not compulsory, but highly recommended. Bikes will be scrutineered from a safety aspect: check those tyres, pads and chain and sprockets in particular. "L" platers are allowed, but not encouraged for safety reasons. Bikes must be registered and riders licenced. Be there! Support your Club. It will be grouse. Oh, and we will need help on the day manning the BBQ. Any offers gratefully appreciated.

Email: Hi Ben, I took the Aprilia RSV 1000 for a blast yesterday. It must be the bike that all others are measured by.... WOW! The handling is sensational, you can simply get on and go fast....amazing suspension, obviously mega grunt, and boy those Brembos are the ducks guts. I can't possibly afford one but I'll tell you they're definitely 10 grand better than a ZX...no shit. Regards Rhys Williams