Hill End via Reefton Sunday 27^th November, 2005

Honda CBR929	Ben Warden	Suzuki GSXR1000	Chris Pointon
Suzuki GSXR1000	Lyn Duncan (leader)	Yamaha R1	Stew Forster
Honda CBR929	Ian Payne (rear)	Honda VFR800	Mark Rigsby (3^rd ride)
Honda CBR954	Breht Emmerson	MV Brutale 750	Dave Ward
Honda VFR750	Renzo Cunico	Kawasaki ZX6	Darryn Webster
Triumph Sprint 955	Ern Reeders	Kawasaki ZRX1200	Greg Jeffery (3^rd ride)

I headed out to Yarra Glen under overcast skies, unsure what the weather would be like for the ride. I still felt a little sore from my minor spill nearly a month ago when an unlicensed driver, in his haste to occupy a parking spot, failed to notice me beside his drivers-side door, turned sharply taking out my back wheel! The collision caused minimal damage to the bike with the usual blinker, mirror, cracker alternator cover and fairing scratches or that’s what I thought until the $2740 assessment. But I digress – back to the ride;

There was a strong turn-out at Yarra Glen and it was good to see Breht back riding on his new 954 and also Stewart, a member from several years back. Ben informed the assembled group that Nigel could not lead the ride due to drive belt damage to his Buell and that Lyn would lead instead. I volunteered for the rear rider position and we were away! Well nearly, as late arriving Chris informed me of his need for petrol. I suggested he wait till Warburton about 100 kms away.

We eventually caught up to the group along the Back Healesville Road. We then continued into Healesville and over the Black Spur. The Spur was damp, but with minimal traffic, we made good time. Just at the end I noticed Stewart stopped by the side of the road. He apologized and said that he would be leaving as he had got very cold towards the top of the Black Spur, started feeling nauseous and didn't want to struggle along, holding people up. Also his new helmet was fogging up to the point that he could barely see.

I continued on to Marysville where Chris said he was going to re-fuel. Not wishing to hold up the ride, I said I would continue on and wait for him at the top of the Reefton.

As we climbed up the mountain it became colder and the occasional drizzle made the road a wet/dry patchwork that made it difficult to judge the grip level. After waiting at Cumberland Junction for a good 10 minutes I pressed on to Warburton, Chris never arriving. We can only assume the adverse conditions made him turn back!

After a leisurely break we prepared to leave but with a much smaller group because Breht, Dave, Darryn, Ern and Greg deciding not to continue. That left five of us. Lyn was a bit unsure of the turnoff but I was rather surprised when we turned onto the Old Warburton road as I remember it being dirt. Over time it has been sealed and would make a great alternative road out of Warburton!

After this reconnoitre we got back on track and headed to Powelltown and Noojee, then out the Baw Baw road to Hill End. This section of road is a favourite of mine because it has a bit of everything. But today I just couldn’t get it right and kept scaring myself. Time to button off and take it easy. Pity the same couldn’t be said for Mark as he got in a bit hot on a right-hander and went off into the soft stuff and gently put the VFR down. Fortunately no damage, just a resolution to ‘slow down’ a bit!

Moe for fuel and a late lunch, then home along the Old Sale Road to Neerim South, Powelltown and Yarra Junction. For me this was a bit out of the way so I split at Buln Buln for the run down the Princess Highway to Springvale and home.

Thanks Lyn for an interesting 350+ kilometer ride.

Ian Payne