Powelltown Superbikes short ride Sunday 2^nd March, 2008

Ben Warden (leader)	Honda CBR954	Misho Zrakic	Suzuki GSXR750
Denis Lindemann (rear)	Honda CBR600	Pina Garasi	Yamaha R6
Dave Ward/Bronwyn Manifold	Ducati 1098	Nic Jacka	Honda CBR600
Bruce Fleming	Kawasaki GPz900RA	Jean Eldridge	Suzuki Bandit 250
Dave Moore	Kawasaki ZX636	Stuart Forster	Triumph 675
Ian Payne	Honda CBR1000		11 bikes, 12 people

I have been bestowed the dubious honour of writing up the scroll of the day’s going’s on. I call it dubious because when everyone was asked who wants to do the day’s write up, not a hand was to be seen, not even a puff of wind, except for me. I think my bowel may have moved position and that was enough movement amongst the group for me to be given the job. Thankyou for that.

Weather: fine and mild with 28 deg C forecast, no wind. Top day for a ride.

The ride to Powelltown was abandoned due to the pub not having Fox Sport. So we (Ben) decided to do the ride though the outskirts of the Dandenongs including Upper Beaconsfield, Cockatoo and Gembrook though to Warburton for morning tea. Leaving Berwick we picked up Dave Moore still looking for the start point. Soon after (former member) Stuart recognised the group and joined in.

Near Woori Yallock, prior to arriving at Warburton for morning tea, Dave Moore, Dave Ward (with Bronwyn pillion) and Ian Payne left to head directly to the Grandview to catch the first race at 12 midday.

We lost Stuart Forster at morning tea when he raced ahead to get fuel, expecting us to continue on up the mountain when in fact we stopped at the bakery. After a pleasant break we headed off up to the top of Mt Donna Buang where I made a wrong turn at the left hair pin (Acheron way turnoff) and went straight on doing the trail bike run to HELL. After a few kays of gravel and pot holes, and not seeing a soul, I thought to myself maybe the ride didn’t come this way and so turned back only to find Misho waiting for me. (What a guy!) We continued up the bitumen road to the top where we stopped to climb the lookout tower and I explained my misadventure. (Nic had pursued him but was unable to catch Bruce …Ed.)

All sorted we headed back down to do the Reefton Spur to Marysville where we had lunch. Nic Jacka left on the return run down Mt Donna.

At the bottom of Reefton Spur some of us were held up by a passing rider who informed us that the Police had two speed traps set up. So with that info on board, we all got though to Marysville without buying a ticket. What’s more, Pina got through also unscathed. Well done Pina.

We stopped at Marysville for lunch and then headed off though the Black Spur to Healesville. There were more police with radar just outside of Narbethong, again all of us getting through without being pulled over. Should I mention? Yes, Pina also came though unscathed again.

We re-grouped and fuelled up at Healesville where Pina and Misho decided to leave as they had to feed the dog or fish or something like that.

The remaining four of us headed to the Tower Hotel in Fairfield to watch the second World Superbike race at Phillip Island on the big screen. Club members Paul Southwell, Renzo Cunico and Paul Walkley were already watching the races along with Dave, Bronwyn and Ian. It was a great way to finish off the day with the Aussies winning both rounds of the Superbikes and the Supersport event.

Bruce Fleming