VFR750 - Danny Kosinski (leader) ZX9 - Mick Bosworth ZX6 - Jeff Hornby

VFR800 - Bruce Saville R6 - Vincent Melot R1 - Ken Wright

SZR660 - Cosmo Comodo * ZXR750 - Ben Warden ZZR600 - Geoff Jones (rear) CBR900RR - Ian Payne TL1000R - Chris Burn RGV250 - Ray Walker

CBR1100XX - Andrew Napier * GSXR750 - Rob Wordie R6 - Shane Ingram

TLR1000 - Tim Dahlgren TLR1000 - Luke Delmo * YZF600 - Paul Tallents

Hayabusa - Wayne and Joanne Nimmo RGV250 - Dave Ward TL1000 - Greg Hales

MotGuzzi Sport 1100S - Peter Wallis * YZF750- Dave Moore *non members

A large group was in attendance, 23 bikes and 24 people. With good weather and road conditions predicted it was understandable, and for once the ‘visitors’ were out-numbered by the members!

Danny gave us the pre-ride talk and explained the corner marking system, Geoff volunteered for rear riding duties and we were on our way. Just as we prepared to leave a yellow TL approached. Luke Delmo asked if he could tag along as his usual riding partners had stood him up! This late addition lifted the Suzuki ranks up to 9 bikes and although lately there has been an abundance of TL’s, today we also had 2 oil burners! Ray’s RGV was actually his brother’s and was being ridden as his GSXR had a blown rear shocker and the $185 to rebuild verses the $250 to replace was still being thought about. He was also riding it cautiously because if he ‘bent it’ his Commodore wagon would instantly become his brothers! The other RGV, which is really Bronwyn’s, had just been re-jetted after the installation of high compression pistons and Dave wanted to see how it would go! With 59 PS (that’s up 4 from standard and up 6 throughout the midrange) it went rather well!

We headed out of Yarra Glen and took the back road to Healesville, then down to Launching Place and Warburton. As the weather was quite good it was decided a quick lap up Mt.Donna Buang was in order. Unfortunately the road was still quite damp in places, but on the downhill run that didn’t stop Luke from showing us how its done. To be fair it was his home turf, and, up until recently, he honestly thought that here, and on the Reefton, he was untouchable! Then one fateful day John and Eric showed him the error of his ways.

Back to Warburton for a break and something to eat. Got talking to Wayne and Joanne and was surprised to hear that the Hayabusa is up for sale! Something about it being too expensive on tyres!

Off again and heading for Reefton. Once over the bridge I found myself behind Danny and marvelled at his smooth lines as he disappeared around a series of bends. Time for me to get a move on or I’ll be swamped by the approaching hordes. A recent ride day at Sandown had allowed me to fine-tune the Blades suspension and also appreciate the use of its gearbox in this type of situation. The road was in sensational condition and once into a rhythm the end came all too soon.

Danny and I waited for the rest of the group. Who would be first? A ‘little’ bike appeared - it was Dave on the RGV. Next another Dave on the trusty YZF. Much excitement as the deep sound of a v-twin is heard. Its Luke, and another lesson is learnt. He is a bit despondent and couldn’t get over the "corner speed" of the RGV and needed to know ‘how difficult’ he was to pass. Dave matter-of-factly says "Easy!" Luke is crushed. Not to be out done Dave Moore also passed the yellow TL although Luke did pass him back but on the ‘inside’! Word also came through of another inside passing manoeuver. This led our spokesman and diplomat extraordinaire, Dave Moore, to proclaim loudly this was not allowed on MTCV rides.

Off again through the new section before the downhill fast sweepers to Marysville. Most of us are just cruising until a big chook-chaser flies past. Boy this guy can ride and it’s just before Marysville that we eventually catch him! We stop at the Bakery for lunch, overflowing with the Ulysses Club, and enjoy a relaxing break.

Danny assembles the troops for the final run to Narbethong, through the Black Spur and back to Healesville. All is going well until we encounter a large group of cars near the end. Ben appears and glides past. We follow and catch up with the group stopped in front of the servo. Vincent appears a little excited. Seems he had two front end loses on Black Spur. Cause traced to a badly worn front tyre. The ride officially ended here and although a fairly short ride most felt this was an ideal day’s outing. Thanks to Danny for leading and Geoff for the rear riding duties.