Ian Payne -
CBR929RR (leader) Greg Hales –
CBR929RR Paul Southwell – CBR954RR
Darryl Shivers – R1100S Rhys
Williams – KTM640LC4 (R/Rider)
5 bikes, 5 people. (plus
Ron Johnston - Falcon)
With the forecast of rain for this ride I
guessed not many would turn up for the trip to Jindivick. Sunday in Springvale
dawned wet but very humid so feeling that the weather was on the improve, I
proceeded on to Yarra Glen in a more optimistic mood. After refuelling, I
reflected on the overcast skies and lack of other bikes. Just when I thought it
was to be a 'non event' Greg rolls up and then Ron in the car! Ron had come for
'just a chat' and explained that the little bike (CB400) was @#?!!% with the
timing chain worn out, piston ring grooves oversize and to top it off, a head
stud had pulled out, taking a helicoil with it!
While all this explaining was going on Paul,
Darryl and Rhys arrived! It now looked like a ride might happen, and when
Darryl said, "He also expected Ben to be here soon" I knew the ride
was definitely on.
Although it was time to go, we'd wait just a
little bit longer in case Ben was still on his way. It also gave us a chance to
check out the new Rhys machine. The KTM had been all tricked up with road
wheels and tyres and looked a little reminiscent of Dickies
"Supermotard". Rhys explained
that the previous owner had gone to great expense fitting out the bike for both
road and trail-riding with Gel filled handlebars, two sets of wheels and tyres,
2 tanks, 2 complete sets of body-work, 2 seats, 6 sets of gearing, spare
oil/air filters, the list just went on and on. Even when he picked up the bike it came with a
full complement of used oil filters!
Although the bike had only covered just on 3000 kilometres, the filters had
been changed every 500 kms and then cut open for inspection - unbelievable!
As time was getting on I started to explain
today's ride but was basically told “if were heading to Noojee count me out!”
Although it may have been the weather influencing this decision, I suspect it could also have been Ron’s graphic explanation
of him and Rob Jones spectacular crash last time we rode down that way! As
an appeasement I suggested a short run up to Yea and back. It would be fairly
direct over some good roads that should be dry. I made it known that as it was
my first ride since December and those that wanted to pass could do so. The
reason for my not riding was a bout of dizziness or in my case “Labyrinthitis” (an inflammation of the labyrinth, the
fluid-filled semicircular canals of the inner ear. It can be the result of a
viral or, more rarely, bacterial infection and may develop after a middle ear
infection or an infection of the lining of the brain). I had been
prescribed a course of medication and didn't feel too bad but still gave the
guys the option if they wanted to go a bit quicker!
We headed off
down the Christmas Hills road, then
While stopped, Greg commented it was the first time he had been on that little link road, and being a local lad was astounded that he didn't even know about it! Both Darryl and Paul also stated it was their first time on that section of road, amazing!!
We continued on to Kinglake West at a fairly sedate pace. Once onto the Yea road, things really got going. I was feeling quite good with no hint of lightheadedness. Perhaps it was focusing on the road ahead that kept the dizziness at bay! Junction Hill came and went and before we knew it we were in Yea enjoying a very leisurely lunch.
For the return trip I asked Greg to lead, as this would allow me to check out for any signs of dizziness when surrounded by other bikes! We traveled at a fairly brisk pace keeping pretty well together but maybe a bit slow for Darryl as he zoomed past and was not seen until we stopped at Kinglake West for the break-up. All in all a good short ride with good company and good roads. Thanks to those who came.
Ian Payne (Honda CBR929)