Cockatoo Sunday 29^th July, 2007

Cameron Stevens (leader)	Suzuki GSXR1000	Paul Southwell	Honda CBR1000
Dave Ward	Suzuki GSXR600	Tim Emons	Suzuki SV650
Ian Payne (1^st rear)	Honda CBR1000	Jim Corbic (1^st ride)	Honda VTR1000
Darryn Webster	Triumph 675	Chris Pointon	Suzuki GSXR1000
Misho Zrakic	Suzuki GSXR750	Lorry Ciantar (3^rd ride)	Aprilia RS250
Ben Warden (2^nd rear)	Honda CBR954	Weather: mainly fine.	11 bikes, 11 people

What is it lately with this Club having punctures?! There has been at least five I know of this year. Pack up your tool kits.

The day started out as per normal 8.30am at Macca's to have coffee with Ian. The weather looked fairly good and not too cold (or maybe my heated grips were on full bore!).

We made Yarra Glen for the pre-ride chat and noticed both Ron Johnston and Brett Emerson were not in their usual bike attire. Breht, unfortunately, couldn't lead today because while he was on a pre-ride on Saturday, unbeknownst to him, he picked up a puncture. When he walked out the door next morning he was greeted with a flat rear tyre. One option was to drive over to Yarra Glen and word up a new leader.

Ron, on the other hand, had his leg in a cast due to a crash the previous week. He will be out of action for a couple of months at least. (See Who’s News for details… Ed.) We wish him a speedy and full recovery.

Both Ian and Paul informed the troops that they would only do a half day due to other plans. (Mowing the lawn guys?)

Cameron was the new leader of choice. Breht suggested a few roads round the area. Not sure if Cameron remembered any of it.

The first part of the ride was through the back way to Healesville via Chum Creek and Myers Creek roads. Ian had to back off the pace with Lorry not comfortable with the conditions, not to mention riding a newer bike as his Mito was written off a little while back.

The next part was a pain in the ass. As we travelled into Healesville the corner markers were not clear in which direction the leader went; therefore we had two groups.  Some riders went up Mt Donna Buang and down again via Don Road while others continued through town. Jim, on the VTR, was now gone, last seen heading to Lilydale. Ben made the decision to try and meet the first group head-on by riding around the bitumen. We would beat them because they would be slow over the slimy dirt section.

The plan worked, after Misho was sent up the dirt section to retrieve leader Cameron and Tim (just as well they were about to head back into town). At this point Lorry decided that he would pull the pin as the pace was a little out of his reach.

We finally made it to Warby for our well deserved morning tea break. You can guess at this point that we are nowhere near Cockatoo.

On the bikes again and over the Reefton we go. The road wasn't too bad with only a few wet patches and a little slime.

I noticed John and Eric fly by as we approached the top. I must say sorry to the leader after passing him up the Reefton. I didn’t know it was you, Cameron! God’s truth!

A few of us stopped up the top while the rest headed down to Marysville. Further on I pulled over to take photos of the snow on the side of the road. Ben did the same. He also went up the Lake Mountain road for a few more snaps.

After lunch Ian, Paul and Darryn decided to head on home. I asked Cameron where to now? Skyline? “Why not!” he replied. The rest of the crew were happy with this as we had nothing else to do for the rest of the day. As we were getting suited up Ben noticed Tim’s SV650 looking low at the rear. Punture!  As usual, Ben saved the day. Plugged him up and sent him home. The group was getting smaller by the minute! From eleven to five with Ben now rear rider.

The next stop was Mt Pinninger Lookout overlooking Lake Eildon. The water was brown looking, no doubt full of flood and fire runoff. It has been a while since I was last here. Next, along the Dam Wall road (with the old Dam Wall clearly visible) and around the back of town to meet up with Skyline Road. A little detour steeply down the few kilometres of twisty roads into Fraser National Park proper, just for the heck of it. Then a U turn and back again to Skyline Road.

Cameron and I had a good run to Alexandra for our second last stop. After some discussion on where to go now, it was agreed to head to Yea via the Molesworth Road as it would be getting late if went any other way. The Molesworth Road was grouse. It was very funny seeing Cameron plough through a flock of galahs, one of them hitting him on the left side leg in a shower of feathers.

Straight through Yea for our final run to Kinglake West and break up. It was an excellent run with very little traffic, however it was bloody freezing. The Kinglake store owner was even wearing gloves in the shop.

As we were about to say our goodbyes, we noticed Chris's Suzi leaking oil. It looked like a rocker cover gasket, though it could be something more serious as he was complaining of low power. Even the exhaust note sounded off. The bike was recently serviced …

Ben and Misho headed home via Whittlesea. Cam, Chris and I went the other way towards Kinglake and St Andrews. We had a scare when an animal jumped out to get us. I also noticed Cameron having a slide in one corner. After Panton Hill, I departed at Alma Road to make my way home via Warrandtye, Springvale Road and home. Approximately 400 k's for the day. The official ride length was 320 km.

Thanks Cameron for leading and thanks to the two rear riders, Ben and Ian.

Dave Ward