Ian Payne - CBR900RR (leader) Paul Tallents — CBR900RR

Rob Langer — R1100S Geoff Jones — ZZR600

Sunday’s weather forecast was for "showers, wind squalls and occasional hail". Difficult to believe as I looked out the window at the bright sun. But shortly after, this prediction came true and had me scurrying back inside to put on my wet-weathers. The downpour made for a slow trip to Whittlesea and, although the rain had now stopped, I wondered whether I had wasted my time riding out to the servo: no-one would be crazy enough to want to go for a ride today! But surprise, surprise, three crazies were ready and waiting; Paul, Geoff and Rob all raring to go. We waited a bit longer just in case some "others" turned up. While waiting, Rob enthralled us with the trials and tribulations of installing an aquarium he had just bought as a home for his "Sooty Grunter".

After about another ten minutes it looked as though no one else would be coming so we prepared to leave. As we were all long standing members, no pre-ride spiel was called for and no formal rear rider appointed as I envisaged we would form a nice tight group. We headed across to Wallan and, although it was not raining, a very strong crosswind was blowing, so care was still needed. We continued on to Romsey and Lancefield for our first stop. It was still quite cold so the local shop with indoor seating was selected to enjoy this break. Conversation revolved around bikes, Joe Cook and the weather.

Off again with the planned route being up to Mia Mia and Heathcote. As we proceeded down to the turn-off I looked in that general direction and caught sight off an impending rain squall so I decided to head directly to Tooborac, which thankfully allowed us to miss the rain completely. We continued along the highway towards Heathcote then turned off to Costerfield and Graytown. With the roads now being "dry" the pace picked up a notch or two!

Finally arrived at Nagambie and where we were immediately confronted by a vast number of parked cars! Most were outside an up-market-type resort situated on the shores of the lake but it was not until later that I noticed a sign which explained the reason for them being there. It seems that Lake Nagambie had been a venue for some of the Sydney Olympics rowing trails and the complex had been built to house competitors and officials. So now with the trials well and truly over this complex has been turned into a tourist resort.

A pleasant lunch was had at the little bakery overlooking the lake, in brilliant sunshine. During this lunch break a plan of the return route was formulated. I had decided to shorten the ride and just head across to Longwood then down to Ruffy, Yark and finish at Yea. But looking at the darkening skies an even shorter trip was now envisaged which would see us head basically south.

So after getting fuel it was off to Mitchellstown, then we skirted past Seymour and Puckapunyal to pick up the Pyalong road. We diverged at Glenaroua, then through Broadford and down to Wandong, Heathcote Junction and Whittlesea. Although it didn’t rain on us, the roads had copped the passing showers and were quite wet. But by this stage we had become accustomed to the conditions and the pace was quite spirited. Just like a hire horse, quipped Paul! "Much faster on the run home".

Although not a fantastic day weather-wise it was still an enjoyable run as it provided us with some valuable practise in smooth throttle control. It also showed how grippy even wet roads can be! Thanks to the intrepid "three musketeers" for coming along and sharing my ride.