Marysville - Sunday 1^st June, 2003

Dave Ward 996 (leader) Ron Johnston CB 400

Ben Warden, CBR 929 RR Paul Southwell CBR 954

Kate Steward CBR 600 F4 Matt Clark GSXR 750 (rear rider)

It was the first day of winter as our mob of diehard riders answered the call to ride the wilds of Yarra Ranges. Meeting at the usual Yarra Glen spot we took it as a good omen that the weather wasn’t bad, roads were wet and the skies overcast but not raining. Dave gave us his coach’s talk in his best fatherly voice stating that he had been over the run the weekend before. And yes the roads are very slippery and there are a couple of new blue WRX unmarked police rockets in the area, but if we took it easy, all would be OK.

We set off heading for Warburton (first stop) via Healesville. Smooth sailing all the way. After a short stop at Warburton we are off, heading up the Reefton spur. With the ‘Spur’ being wet we are able to travel at speeds that allowed us to take in the natural beauty of the Yarra Ranges. After a bit of rain the forest turned on a spectacular display of colors and fragrance.

Regrouping at the top of Reefton spur after a moment of reflection, we were off, heading towards Marysville past Lake Mountain. I think the only bit of eye raising riding of the day happened in this stage. Yours truly lost sight of a 30 km/h corner while Ron was trying to start a breeding program between our two Hondas. Nothing dented except pride (mine).

Marysville Bakery provided hot coffee, wonderful pies and lots of those little green (free coffee) cards. I reckon Ron has enough now to shout a small invading army.

Getting back to Healesville via the Black spur was always going to be a bit of fun with a wet road. This time proved no different- it was ‘bloody’ slippery. The day’s ride finished at Healesville where most took on fuel for the ride home.

Thanks again Dave for leading us on our first winter Sunday ride for 2003.

Paul Southwell (Honda CBR954)