Coalville (aka Reefton Spur) Sunday 10^th December, 2006

Ben Warden (leader)	Honda CBR954	Paul Southwell	Honda CBR1000
Cameron Stevens	Suzuki GSXR1000

Berwick at 10 am saw only the three starters. Even this many was surprising given the forecast of 42 degrees and extreme weather conditions with much of the state under a pall of smoke from the raging bushfires. Already it was unbearably hot as Cameron and I sat spreadeagled in the shade in front of the tyre mart store next door to the servo. This could be our new congregation point – whoever gets there early please note.

The police were out and about on the Freeway, quickly pouncing on a fast moving Honda Prelude weaving erratically between the cars. I guess it was one way to stay awake in the stifling heat. And Paul, now arrived, had also noticed them patrolling in the other direction. A meeting at Phillip Island was enough provocation to set radar traps.

I didn’t like the idea of 50 km of roasting highway to Drouin before friendlier and cooler roads south. The concept of a short ride seemed the only option as sweat poured off us, gloves already soggy before the start of the ride. When I suggested a squirt through the Dandenongs and maybe around the Reefton, no complaints were heard. We set off on an unplanned ride.

I have followed Ian enough times through these parts to string together good back roads from memory; the bike just seemed to know where to go. Looking at the map now I see that we worked out way north through Berwick and across to Officer before heading north again towards Cockatoo, turning right at the big roundabout and picking up the back way to Gembrook. We made a slight detour east at Gembrook but the road almost immediately turned to dirt so we continued north on the recently sealed and brilliant bike road to Hoddles Creek and meeting the highway near Woori Yallock. Now heading towards Warburton I took the first opportunity to get off the highway by turning right working our way across to Gladysdale and then down behind the school rejoining the highway near Wesburn. Warburton Bakery for a long morning tea.

Paul was wrapped with the route, happy to be amongst the cooling shade trees, and enjoying the roads with almost no cars. All sane people were indoors, of course. We noted a marked TOG car heading for the Reefton with some concern as we set off not long after him, expecting a surprise around any corner.

Signage indicated ambiguously that the Reefton Spur road may have been closed but listening to the radio over the previous days indicated that Woods Point turnoff was more likely to be closed. This proved to be the case at Cumberland Junction, where I waited for Cameron and Paul to catch up, obviously a little more paranoid than I. The smoke was pretty thick and acrid, the occasional spontaneous cough escaping. My eyes were stinging slightly as well, squinting away in the eerie orange light, the sun totally obscured by the thick smoke haze. Next stop Marysville.

Another long break outside the Bakery. We thought it was closed – with no activity outside. No bikes, almost no cars. But it was open. Eventually a GSXR750 rider with only a couple of 100 kms on the odometer arrived and began discussing all things Suzuki clutch related with Cameron. It was heading for 2 pm, and though relatively pleasant, the temptation of catching the V8 final round in front of the TV was very seductive. Black Spur here we come.

Cameron and Paul turned up the wick a bit and it was a struggle to keep them vaguely in sight – mainly disappearing around the next bend. Sensational! We bade our last farewells and headed home. Paul came with me across to Yarra Glen and Christmas Hills before taking the Warrandyte turnoff. The Western Ring Road was absolutely baking; 5 lanes wide of deep black bitumen radiating suffocating heat. The temperature gauge crept up to 88 degrees (normally 82) with the thermostat frequently opening and closing, dumping radiator heated air on my legs to further enhance the experience. Home couldn’t come quick enough.

A nominal ride length of 175 km. Throw in 50 km to reach Berwick and another 67 from Healesville to home and the true ride length is over 300 km. Thanks to Paul and Cameron for making the time.

Ben Warden