Greg Hales — TL1000S (leader) Ian Payne CBR900RR

Ben Warden — CBR929RR Stuart Lens — Bandit 1200S (3^rd ride)

Andrew — RF900 (1^st) Keith Phillips — ZX2 (1^st)

Louise Noonan - Across 250 (1^st) Derek Atkinson & Kathy — FZR1000 (rear rider)

This ride has traditionally been our Snow Ride where we have ventured up Lake Mountain or Mt Donna Buang for some fun in the snow. But over the past couple of years the entry fee to the mountains has escalated dramatically. On top of this there has been little snow to enjoy. So this year the Committee decided to just have a ride and, if it was cold enough, we would probably encounter snow on the Cumberland Junction/Marysville stretch of road.

On arriving at Yarra Glen a little after 10am I was surprised to see no-one there. But then Greg arrived from the servo just as I proceeded there for fuel. A few minutes later Ben arrived as did Derek and Kathy. Derek then advised us that two friends would be arriving in a few minutes. Then, just as we thought this would be the extent of the riders, Stuart and Andrew rolled up.

Greg gave the new riders a run down on the Corner Marking System and Derek volunteered as rear rider. We then headed of to Healesville via the "old road" then down to Yarra Junction and Warburton. As this was to be a short ride we made no stop and continued towards Reefton. Just past McMahons Creek I rounded a corner to see a couple of bikes off the road. Apparently Keith had gone in a little ‘hot’, stood the bike up, ran off the road and laid down the little Kawasaki. He was very fortunate to escape with little more than a few scratches and a broken blinker lens.

I continued on to alert Greg of the mishap and waited for the rest of the group to arrive. At the bottom of the Reefton we met John, Eric, Dwayne and Michael, all on R6s, out for a ride. They informed us that half way up the Spur a tree had fallen down across the road and, although now cleared away, quite a lot of debris was still on the road.

The rest of the group arrived. I checked Keith was okay, informed them about the tree, and set off. The Reefton Spur varied between damp and very wet, but surprisingly offered good grip. Once in the rhythm it was quite an enjoyable trip!

We all made it to the top safely and then continued on to Marysville for lunch at the Bakery. Apart from John and Eric’s group and ourselves there were no other bikes around. (Apart from the 15 bikes from Nova Honda who went past us in the opposite direction between Warburton and Reefton. …Ed.) This was quite unusual especially as the weather was now quite spectacular with bright sunshine and blue sky. In fact it had been like that through the Spur, which was quite disconcerting as the contrast of bright sun and dark shadow played havoc with the eyes.

After a leisurely lunch we continued on to Buxton, Taggerty and Alexandra followed by the fast run across to Molesworth. Along this stretch a huge truck protruding out onto the road on a blind left hand bend caused a bit of a stir. (Scared me $%#@less. Particularly given my history on this road. Ed.)

Yea came and went as we continued on towards the finishing point at Kinglake West. The Junction Hill twisties added some spice, especially for Ben, who had a slide on some gravel just after we passed a slow moving truck. We kept going and finally stopped at the general store which would also mark the end of the ride. From all accounts everybody had a great time, even Keith. So its thanks to Greg for leading this short and sweet ride. Although the weather predictions were a bit gloomy it turned out to be a great day.