Gembrook Counter Lunch – Sunday 22nd August, 2004

           

Honda CBR929RR      Ian Payne (leader)        Honda CBR929RR      Ben Warden

Honda VFR750           Renzo Cunico  Kawasaki ZX12R        Paul Grosser                

Yamaha XJR1300        Jeff  Gamble (1st)          Suzuki TL1000R          Sam Sirianni

Harley Buell                  Nigel Hellyer                Suzuki GSXR750         Gary ‘Butch’ Borrowdale (1st ride)

Honda VFR800           James Melford (1st)      Yamaha R6                  Joel Haley & Meaghan Dobson (rear)

                                                                                                                                               

At Gembrook Pub: -     Craig Morley & Emma                                     10 bikes, 1 car, 13 people.                 

                                               

From the dismal forecast, the thought of slip sliding around the Dandenong’s was not very entertaining, but Sunday in Springvale dawned cold, but fine. So, with slightly more optimism, I proceeded to Berwick. Coincidently, this was the first time I had been to the new Berwick pickup point and, initially, had trouble finding it!

 

I was a bit surprised to see such a large turnout for such dismal weather, especially with three first-timers. Butchie was a friend of Sam’s. Jeff had rung me earlier, having ridden with Rob Langer and learnt about the Club, while James had initially read about us in The Age motoring section and followed up with a look at the web-site.

 

Joel, being two-up, volunteered as rear rider. With the Corner Marking System explained we headed off towards Harkaway, then the narrow, twisting roads of Beaconsfield Upper. Surprisingly, it was dry, so a good pace was set. We continued down to Toomuc Valley, then on towards Pakenham Upper. At this stage, none of the group appeared and I began to think the worst! Fortunately, Nigel came with the news that Ben had a slowly deflating rear tyre. A quick detour to the servo and he was on his way.

 

As the tyre was still losing air we decided to head directly to Emerald where Ben would attempt to plug the leak. I was looking forward to the next section of road as it had recently been sealed, but unfortunately a recent rain shower had spoiled it. Soon we were in Emerald. Ben headed for the service station while the rest of us engaged in a good old yak fest.

 

After some time, a few of us went to see how Ben was getting on. It seemed his bargain-buy tyre had to be repaired twice! Firstly, there was a new puncture and then an existing plug had started to leak! Fortunately the repairs were quickly done and we were soon on our way. This time along to Menzies Creek, Kallista and Monbulk. Then, after a bit of a detour, Macclesfield, Avonsleigh, Cockatoo and finally, Gembrook.

 

After Ben’s tyre drama, I had shortened the ride to try and maintain our schedule, but as it was, we were still early! As it had started to drizzle, nobody seemed to mind, We all trooped into the Pub for our well earned feed. During our meal Renzo arrived on the ex-Robbie Langer VFR! Renzo had decided to do a bit more riding before joining us, as the VFR is completely different to ride compared to his old R1.

 

Just as we were finishing lunch Craig and Emma turned up. Due to work commitments we had not seen Craig for quite a while. It was unfortunate we couldn’t spend more time catching up, but the troops were getting restless!

 

After our nice relaxing lunch it seemed a shame to leave, especially as it was now raining. Fortunately the rain didn’t last too long as we headed back to Pakenham Upper, Toomuc Valley, Beaconsfield Upper, then onto Beaconsfield and finally Berwick where the ride finished.

 

Thanks to those brave souls who ventured out, especially the first timers.

 

Ian Payne (Honda CBR929)