Reefton and Black Spurs November 3^rd 2002

Kawasaki ZX9R Mick (Bos) Bosworth (leader) Yamaha FZ1 Peter Westra (1^st)

Suzuki GSX-R750 Matt Clark Kawasaki Z1000 Steve (?) (1^st)

Peter was a seasoned rider I knew through work who expressed his interest in joining in on a ride. I assured him the Black Spur/ Reefton day would attract a good group of bike enthusiasts for a safe and enjoyable ride on fantastic roads with a well-organised club. We met near the end of the Eastern Freeway; from there I led the way to Yarra Glen. The new Suzuki got there a tad earlier than my old yellow CBR250RR, so we arrived 15 mins early!

Bos rode up on his black ZX9R at 10.15 am, surprised to see only Peter and I having a coffee at the ‘Original Café’. Steve rolled in at the same time on his very well presented but ancient Kawasaki 1000cc bike, asking us if this was the MSTCV. Bos and I looked at each other, shrugged our shoulders and answered yes. Bos agreed to lead the ride. We decided to wait a further 20 minutes, then headed off. With only 4 people, two being first timers, we decided to not corner mark, but just ride along, grouping together at any turns before continuing.

Bos led off up the Melba Highway, then on to the Old Healesville Road, whilst I kept under the manufacturer-recommended 7000rpm for the run-in period. It was a refreshing change not to see the ZX9 disappear into the fast sweepers as was normally the case when on my 250. Peter kept up with us no probs, but Steve lagged behind a little.

From Healesville, we travelled the Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road to Woori Yallock, then onto the Warburton Highway. On the road between Warburton and McMahons Creek, as I was leading with Peter, Bos and Steve behind, we came down a very fast straight which heads downhill, then up slightly into a deceivingly tight right-hander. I saw in my mirrors that Peter was gaining fast close to the end. I jumped on the anchors to take the bend. After that, the road becomes quite twisty, and I proceeded, having a ball, until I realised nobody was behind. I stopped, waited a bit, and then went back, dreading what I’d find.

Peter had come off at that tight right-hander. Not realising how tight the turn became, he went straight ahead, and, not wishing to plow into the wall, dumped the bike into the gravel. Minor fairing damage, headlight, indicators, mirrors and rear sets. Peter had attached home-made Oggy-Knobs to the lower frame rails, demonstrating clearly that they saved the motor, gearbox cover, extractors, etc from severe and costly damage. Luckily, he didn’t appear hurt. Bos taped up the fairing, and we proceeded onto Reefton.

Steve and Peter had never been through the Reefton Spur to Marysville, so we cautioned them of the possible perils, and headed off. I stuck behind Bos, having an absolute ball. We stopped at the T-junction, me admiring my worn rear tyre, Bos relieving himself at the nearest tree and waited for the others. From there we had lunch at Marysville. Peter and Steve both commented on the enjoyment of those roads, but disliking the occasional wet patches, and tree bark debris.

We headed back to Healesville through the Black Spur, where Steve said his goodbyes. Hopefully Peter’s crash and the lack of numbers have not dampened his spirits to join the Club. Peter followed Bos and I through Yarra Glen, Christmas Hills and Kangaroo Ground to Springvale Road, where he departed. Thankfully, Peter was not seriously hurt, the worst being bruising on his legs, and a sore thumb. He is not too worried about the damage. Being a seasoned rider he knew the risks, and being a spray painter he knows he can repair the bike himself. He is looking forward to having the bike ready for another Club ride sometime soon. Hopefully the next one will have a few more people, and no accidents.

It was an enjoyable day, taking my bike over 1000 kays. It was receiving the first service the next day. Thanks to Bos for leading the way, and thoughtfully carrying tape to get Peter’s bike rideable.

Matt Clark (Suzuki GSX-R750)