Brisbane Ranges Sunday 19^th August 2007

Dave Ward	Ducati 1098	Clint Vertigan	Suzuki GSXR750
Peter Jones	Yamaha R1	Chris Pointon	Suzuki GSXR1000
Paul Southwell	Honda CBR1000	Ron Solomon	Suzuki Hayabusa
Ian Payne (rear)	Honda CBR1000	David Twentyman	Suzuki Hayabusa
Ben Warden	Honda CBR954	Duncan Ferguson	Kawasaki ZX10R
Mirko Stasser	Honda CBR929	Dave Wilson	Yamaha R1
Renzo Cunico	Honda VFR750	Kurn Bridgeman	Honda CBR600RR
Geoff Jones (leader)	Yamaha R1	Hans Wurster	Kawasaki ZX12R
Darryn Webster	Triumph 675	Darren Porch	Yamaha R1
Ron & Julie Johnston	Car	Rob Langer	R1150GS

With this ride leaving from the West Gate Servo it meant we’d be heading out west. It has become a bit of tradition on Geoff’s rides to stop off at his place for a bit of lunch!

First thing I noticed at the gathering was the appearance of ex-president Hans Wurster riding his trusty Kawasaki – his last bike, he informs me. At nearly 70 years of age, who could argue! The bikes continue to roll in until we have 19 starters. Geoff gives a comprehensive run down of the day’s activities and then we are away. With so many bikes taking off, Geoff is one of the last to leave. As we head down the freeway, Ron gets my attention and points skyward to an overhead gantry where, lurking behind a route sign, is a cleverly positioned speed camera.

We continue along the Geelong road and past the usual Werribee turnoff to take the second exit, just for something different. But our progress is stopped at the level crossing as a freight train rumbles through. Soon we are on the familiar Bulban road heading for the You Yangs, Anakie and Maude. Now the fun begins as we tackle the Steiglitz to Meredith road. At Steiglitz, some of our group nearly stopped as another large group of bikes appeared to have taken over the historic town. We continued on to the ‘good’ section of road but, unfortunately, it was under repair with lots of debris over the road surface which slowed the pace. Soon we were at Meredith for a short break and fuel. Here we leant of Dave christening the 1098 with its first bird. Somebody said, “What do you get when you combine speed, a galah and a mirror? An explosion of grey feathers!”

After a coffee and chat we are on our way. As I’m about to put on my helmet, I see Geoff overbalance and his R1 crashes to the ground! Both bike and rider appear unfazed by the experience as they are soon up and off down the road. We follow to Durdidwarrah, Anakie Junction, Straughton Vale, Balliang, Rowsley and Bacchus Marsh. Then it’s onto the Freeway and off to Myrniong, Greendale, Blackwood and Trentham. We then take a narrow back road to Spring Hill and the Upper Coliban Reservoir.

As time was getting on, I assumed it would be direct to Kyneton, then onto Geoff’s home in Gisborne. But no. Next it was Carlsruhe for petrol, then Newham, Hanging Rock and Mt. Macedon. Unfortunately, on one of the tight right-handers, Hans ran wide. Once on the slippery grass, the big Kawasaki decided to lie down. Fortunately, no real damage to man or machine, so we continued on to Gisborne for a late lunch at Geoff’s daughter’s home. Here we were treated to homemade soup, party pies, sausage rolls, cake and drinks, expertly prepared by Val Jones and daughter Melissa McKenna.

During the festivities;

· Ron and Julie Johnston arrived by car. Ron’s leg will still be in plaster for several more weeks.

· Ron Solomon commented that his Hayabusa had blown a fuse and he had no lights.

· Geoff told us that his son Ben was getting married after proposing to his girlfriend in Verona while on holiday in Italy.

As pleasant as it was here, all too soon it was time to make a move. So back on the bikes and off to Riddells Creek, Clarkefield, Wildwood and the servo at Bulla where the ride finished. Thanks to Geoff for leading and his family for their hospitality.

Ian Payne