Reefton via Cockatoo Sunday 28^th January, 2007

Chris Pointon	Suzuki GSXR1000	Ian Payne	Honda CBR1000
Mark Dryden	Suzuki GSXR1000	Ern Reeders	Honda CBR954
Cameron Stevens (leader)	Suzuki GSXR1000	Andy Thompson	Yamaha R1
Geoff Jones (rear)	Yamaha R1		7 bikes, 7 people

As this was Cameron’s first time as a leader and I had emailed him the route, I made an effort to attend to ensure that my instructions had not confused him! Shouldn’t have worried as it went like clockwork, but I guess pre-riding three times the day before would have helped!

From Berwick we headed north to Harkaway, then right at Boundary Road to Upper Beaconsfield, then through the tight and open sweepers to Paternoster Road and Upper Pakenham. We then continued to Gembrook along the recently sealed section to Launching Place. Although clearing showers had been predicted, it had not rained, but the roads were still damp in patches. With no ‘first timers’ this close knit group made good time to Warburton, our first break.

At the bakery we got talking to three other riders – Yamaha R1, Suzuki 750 and Honda VTR1000 mounted. They were also heading to Reefton and Marysville so when the time came to leave they joined in! As we approached the start of the Reefton another stationary group of bikes warned us of an unmarked red BMW mounted police motorcyclist who had just done a license check on them and was about five minutes ahead of us. We proceeded cautiously.

Just before the long straight, an approaching car flashed us. Sure enough, the red bike and a yellow police car where strategically placed in amongst the vegetation with one officer holding a radar speed gun! Fortunately, Cameron had slowed down enough to ensure none of our group was riding over the speed limit, but the VTR rider, oblivious to this, decided to show us how fast he was on the straight and became the sacrificial offering to Mr Plod.

Once past this distraction, we got back to enjoying this great piece of road all the way to Cumberland Junction. With Chris and me corner-marking, we were surprised to see another police bike approaching from Marysville who then stopped to do a registration and license check. Talk about overkill!

Once all the bikes had been checked we were allowed to go and eventually caught Cameron at Marysville for lunch.

Over a leisurely break we met up with Eric Makin who told us he had seen the red BMW before and that it was equipped with video surveillance. It appears they are targeting the Reefton. The bike will follow you for a short distance, record your number plate and excess speed, then radio ahead for the marked car to stop you. Very sneaky.

After lunch it was through the Black Spur to Healesville for fuel. Then up Myers Creek Road to Toolangi. It had been quite a long time since I had been “up” this road so it was a real hoot but also quite a challenge as you recognized sections of road but the bends went the opposite way!

Another quick sprint across to Kinglake West and the ride was over, although most of us followed Cameron through to St Andrews before going our separate ways.

Thanks to Geoff for the rear riding duties and Cameron whose effort and preparation ensured his first time lead went off without a hitch.

Ian Payne