Mt. Buninyong Fire Tower – Sunday 9^th June

Geoff Jones Yamaha R1 (leader) Ian Payne Honda CBR919RR

Liz Oliver Honda CBR919RR Peter Weyermayr Honda CBR929RR

Dean Von Schill Honda VTR1000 Dianne Welsford Honda CBR600 (rear rider)

The weather for this ride initially looked quite bleak. Rain, hail and strong winds were forecast. But on the morning the weather didn’t look too bad. A quick check of the itinerary alerted me to a “10.15 am start”, not 10.30 am as I first thought. Time to get going. But the damp conditions had slowed Springvale Road traffic down to a snail’s pace and it wasn’t until Warrandyte that a reasonable speed was achievable. I reached Whittlesea at 10.20 am and discovered that everyone, except Dianne and Geoff, were also running late!

Geoff explained that the route depended on the weather since it is always a bit colder and wetter over Ballarat way. Just before heading off Geoff noted that it was almost 12 months since we lost Geoff Barton (10^th June, 2001). So, in a more sombre mood, we rode off towards Kinglake West, then on damp roads to Flowerdale and Strath Creek. Just out of Strath Creek the roads began to dry but roadworks on the twisty hill section slowed us. We continued on to Broadford,Glenaroua and Pyalong for a wee stop.

While stopped, Pete and Liz told us about the recent Honda “Blade Day” at the Island where they got to sample the new CBR954. Pete summed up the bike as having “an awesome motor with a better fairing”. But on paper it only has an extra 0.1 kW and 2 Nm of oomph when compared to the 2001 model! It’s also 2 kg lighter but needs Premium ULP! Speaking of fairing protection, Geoff has fitted a “double-bubble” screen for his R1 and, although supposed to fit straight on his model, it didn’t. It required a lot of fiddling to adapt. Ah, the joy of Internet bargains!

Off again, this time heading for Emu Flat, Baynton and Lancefield for a quick fuel stop. Next came Cobaw, Carlsruhe and Tylden where a “hot” Commodore showed us he could stay with the group. But then we were on a main road and being law abiding!

We arrived at Trentham in a freezing cold mist; you could actually feel the temperature drop the closer we got to town. After the loos, it was straight into the warm bakery for a hot lunch. Over warm food and hot chocolate, Geoff announced that we may not make Mt. Buninyong. It generally mirrors the type of weather conditions we were experiencing at Trentham: fog and mist! A final decision would be made as we got closer to Buninyong.

Back to the bikes where we struggled to fit on our cold gloves and helmets. The sensational road to Blackwood soon warmed us up. It was damp in only a few patches, so a good pace was maintained. We passed through Greendale and Ballan, then south to Fiskville and Mt. Wallace. We stopped at the bottom of the hill where Geoff explained to the uninitiated that this is the site of our annual hill climb. He also confirmed that we wouldn’t be going to Buninyong! It was shrouded in mist.

We continued on to Rowsley and Exford. Just past the Melton Reservoir we veered north to Melton proper and the Jones’ family home. Here we were greeted by Val who had prepared a magnificent afternoon tea of homemade cakes and savouries. Sensational! We also had a chance to peruse the plans of Geoff and Val’s new home.

All too soon it was time to leave and join the tedium of the Sunday afternoon traffic. Still, it was a great day out, even if we didn’t make it to the fire tower. Thanks to Geoff and Val for a great day and Dianne for the rear riding duties.

Ian Payne (Honda CBR919RR)