Loch Sunday 28^th September, 2008

Ian Payne (leader)	Honda CBR1000	Ken Goederee	Yamaha FZ1
Paul Southwell	Honda CBR1000	Pina Garasi	Yamaha R6
Ben Warden	Honda CBR954	Misho Zrakic	Suzuki GSXR750
Dave Ward	Honda CBR600	Mark Welland (3^rd ride0	Honda CB1300
Chris Pointon	Suzuki GSXR1000	Cliff Peters	Suzuki GSXR1000
Rob Zivanovic (1^st ride)	Honda CBR600	Ron Johnston	Suzuki GF1200

The weather prediction for today was quite good with no showers predicted until late, a good omen as Gippsland in the wet is not much fun.

A good turnout with a few late-comers delayed the start but then I was onto the boring freeway for the trip down to Nar Nar Goon and the back roads to Drouin. There are so many good roads that head south from here that it is always a difficult choice but I had decided on the old Nyora Road straight down to Lang Lang. Being a main thoroughfare, this road is in good condition. The only difficult part was a cycle race where a multitude of bikes and support vehicles made overtaking difficult. Apparently, Rob was about to overtake a slow moving truck which then overtook a group of cyclists which meant Rob was out on the right hand verge avoiding the truck. By all accounts, “not happy Jan”.

These roads consist of fairly open sweepers until we got to the ‘Poowong Twisties’. At this stage I noticed Misho approaching from behind. Next, my mirrors were filled with a red CBR, knee out and on the deck – who else but Dave! We continued on to Loch, passing the Poowong Cemetery where I immediately thought of Geoff Barton, an ex-club member and dairy farmer from this area. He was a very committed motorcyclist who would be up early to milk the cows so he could participate on the Club ride. Unfortunately, Geoff has since passed away. (A little understated … he was killed on a Club ride. …Ed.)

After a leisurely bite to eat and fuel (for some) we headed for Archies Creek via Glen Forbes. Unfortunately, I missed the turnoff as the picture in my mind was totally different to the actual intersection! Once we approached Grantville on the highway, I knew the best option was a U-turn back to the original route! Eventually I found the intersection and proceeded along this great piece of twisty, undulating road to Archies Creek, then Wonthaggi. There was quite a long wait here as apparently earlier Dave had detoured before returning to the correct route. There was a mix up back at the previous intersection where Ron was directing people to follow Dave (and Paul, he thought), despite Ian having gone “straight”. Ben sorted out the mess. But Pina waited an extra 5 minutes at the next intersection, just in case there was anyone else having also followed Dave. Ben went back to look for her. All good.

From Wonthaggi we headed down to Cape Patterson and then the ‘mini ocean road’ to Inverloch. Later on I was asked why we didn’t stop at the lookout! A good point and one that older leaders should be aware of. Just because I have travelled this section of road more times than I can remember doesn’t mean that everyone else has! Therefore, mental note to self - “Stop at places that may be of interest to members”.

We continued through Inverloch before picking up the Korumburra road which was to be our lunch stop! Unfortunately, I had gone onto reserve before Inverloch so a ‘relatively’ slow run into town.

After a relaxed lunch at the bakery it was back on the bikes for the sensational run to Warragul. This road has it all with tight sections and open sweepers; bike heaven. Into Warragul proper, then parallel to the highway to Nilma. What a surprise at the next intersection with police everywhere! Fortunately, it was just a breath testing area. According to the talkative Mr Plod, they had done very well with ‘post grand final revellers’. Ken took some photos which, to the uninitiated, would look quite ‘interesting’ with a group of police and pursuit cars surrounding the MSR bikes!

We were all finally breath tested and cleared, although Paul was a bit concerned having celebrated late into the night Hawthorn’s victory. We then headed north to Neerim South, then the tight section of road to Jindivick and Longwarry North where the ride finished.

Thanks to Pina for the rear riding duties and thanks to all others who came along.

Ian Payne