Lancefield Sunday, 4^th July, 2004

Yamaha R1 Geoff Jones (Leader) Kawasaki ZX12R Paul Grosser

Suzuki Bandit 1200 Ron Johnston Honda CBR929 Greg Hales

Honda CBR954 Liz Oliver Honda CBR 900 Brett Emmerson (1^st ride)

Honda CBR929 Pete Weyermayr Honda CBR 954 Paul Southwell

Suzuki GSXR750 Damian Glynn (1^stride) Yamaha FZ1 Ian Black

Suzuki GSXR1000 Danny Kosinski Yamaha YZF1000 Trevor Harris (Rear Rider)

The day started cool but would warm up as the day progressed. Welcome to Paradise. Arrived at Whittlesea and saw a few fellow riders already there. Filled up my tank and then went to check out who was there. Geoff introduced Brett and Damian, both on their first ride with the Club. They found out about the ride via the web site. Geoff had been telling them about the Club and the Corner Marking System.

Everybody gathered round and Geoff explained the route, where we would be stopping etc. As we were about to leave, who should turn up but that intrepid duo, Pete & Liz. It’s not like them to be late; probably chasing sheep around their back yard.

Between Whittlesea and Flowerdale the pace was steady. The road was damp and wet between the trees. I noticed the temperature drop in places. Between Kinglake West and Flowerdale they had done some chip sealing near the farm that sells Alpacas and I got caught in the middle of the corner and had to run wide. No signs. Gave me a scare. Poor old heart had to suddenly work overtime.

About half way along the Strath Creek to Kerrisdale road there is a big white house being built on your right. Further on we passed Trawool Resort where I joined the Club. At the time, all the countryside was sunburnt, yet here was this green oasis in the middle of nowhere. Ever since it has stuck in my mind. On to Tallarook and Pyalong noticing the historic railway trestle bridge on your left. On to Lancefield where Danny Kosinski and Ian Black were waiting for us at the Servo. We filled up and then headed for the bakery.

The stay was short as we had to keep moving. Three Chain Road to Carlsruhe and on past the road house that Nigel Hellyer manages. I wondered what he might be doing as he usually rides with us. Then a right turn past the road house and over the freeway overpass towards the Coliban Reservoir. It’s been a long time since I have travelled down this road; it’s still rough around the Reservoir, but the rest of it’s all right, even if it is narrow.

Greg and I were corner marking the Kyneton, Springhill Rd and Springhill, Glenlyon Rd intersection. At this intersection it looks as if you are going to drive straight into a bus shelter, but it veers left and then you stop at the intersection. It’s a bit of a trap for those who haven’t travelled that bit of road, and for those who have. It should have a sign before the intersection warning people of the imminent stop sign.

Brett and Trevor approached the intersection at the same time as a Falcon sedan was doing a right turn towards them. I don’t know what happened but Brett was caught unawares and failed to take the turn and cut across in front of the Falcon. I stood watching, thinking this was going to be ugly, but Brett ran off the road and through a mud puddle, yet still remained upright. Trevor applauded him, and a sigh of relief for myself. What a good save! Brett did a U turn and we all carried on Trentham.

From Trentham to Blackwood we came across some cars. Some dude in a late Commodore station wagon thought he was Mark Skaife because he sure as hell wasn’t going to let some of us past. On the down hill run those terrible bumps are still there, and you have to watch they don’t throw you off course.

I corner-marked with Paul Southwell at the Greendale pub/general store roundabout. A dog with its lead in tow came from out of the car park, running over to us. Paul tried to shoo it back, but it wouldn’t go. So he tried to grab its lead but the dog had other ideas. By then a couple had come out of the pub and Paul asked if the dog was theirs. It wasn’t, but as they walked to the car park the dog followed them, with Paul shooing it along.

As we ride between Myrniong and Bacchus Marsh we criss-cross the Western Freeway. At Bacchus Marsh we finally headed for Gisborne. We usually turn of at Merrimu Reservoir to go Geoff’s place, but this time we went straight ahead. This was an interesting road with the Lerderderg Gorge on your left. It reminded me of being New Zealand. At Bullengarook we turned left and went to Melissa and Andrew Mckennas’ home for lunch. It must have looked good to the neighbours when all these motorcyclists rolled up and parked outside.

Inside it was nice and warm with the log fire all stoked up. There was bread and home made soup, followed by party pies and sausage rolls. The deserts included pavlova and caramel slice. Tea and coffee followed to complete the feast. And lots of good conversation. Every one obviously enjoyed themselves. Melissa told us to eat up because there was plenty of food left. I suggested that her mum had taught her well and that she was following in her foot steps, even though Val was there and helping out.

Finally it was time to go. It was hard to leave after making ourselves comfortable, enjoying the warmth of the fire. Paul and Greg left before the rest of us, and Trevor had to go and get fuel. We didn’t see him after that. The rest of us followed Geoff to his new house around the corner, stopped and had a look from the bikes, and then we continued on. We passed though Mount Gisborne, Toolern Vale and Diggers Rest finishing up at the Organ Pipes Park, opposite Calder Park Raceway. The few left said our goodbyes and headed home. It was a great day, fine weather, no incidents and plenty of fine food.

Thank Melissa, Andrew, Geoff and Val for their hospitality, and putting up with us lot from the Club. A fantastic day.

Ron Johnston (Bandit 1200)