Highlands                    Sunday 5th June 2005

 

Yarra Glen:                                                                              

Honda Blackbird          Peter Feistl                                           Kawasaki ZX12R        Paul Grosser

Honda CBR954           Paul Southwell                          Suzuki GSXR1000       Brett Stuart      

Honda CBR954           Steve Cowburn                                    Suzuki TL1000S          Frank Kopacka

Honda Blackbird          Martin Hastie (rear)                              BMW 1150GS            Rob Langer

Honda CBR919           Breht Emmerson                                   Yamaha R6                  Joel Haley

Honda CBR929           Simon Trubiano                                                           

 

Whittlesea:                                                                               

Honda CBR929           Ian Payne (lead)                                   (Honda VTR1000        Bill Wee)

Suzuki GSXR1000       Lyn Duncan                                          Triumph Sprint ST        Ern Reeders 

 

The first ride of the new itinerary, I thought, as I headed to Whittlesea. The weather had been threatening all week but today was bright and sunny; not bad for the first weekend of winter.

 

There were a couple of bikes at the ‘old’ servo so I pulled in to ensure they weren’t waiting for the touring club ride! Nope, just contemplating where to go for a ride. I continued on to the Caltex servo to arrive right on 10 o’clock and ‘panicked’ – there wasn’t any other bikes to be seen! I quickly checked the itinerary – Aaah! “Yarra Glen” start, but I had double checked the newsletter only the night before and it was Whittlesea leave!

 

The ringing mobile got my attention. It was Paul Southwell but with terrible reception. I couldn’t hear what he was saying! Anyway, another four messages needed answering – Lyn Duncan, Ben Warden and Paul Southwell – all wanting to know where was I and what was going on? Also, one from Bill Wee running late and trying to arrange to meet! Eventually, Paul and I sorted out the mess and we would meet at Kinglake West. I refueled and headed off for the solo trip up to the meeting point and was surprised to find Lyn and Ern already there! Apparently they had also been at Whittlesea. I explained the mix up with the itinerary and magazine and that Paul would lead the group from Yarra Glen and arrive here shortly.

 

Once we were all together I explained that I had intended to go via Arthurs Creek and Glenburn but now we would proceed directly to Flowerdale and Strath Creek. The winter sun was quite bright and the strobe effect of sun/shadow made it hard on the eyes but we made good time so we continued north up to the Goulburn Valley Highway, then right and left to Highlands. As we climbed the combination of sun glare and fog had me nearly take the wrong road to Seymour, but thanks to Ern we were back on track. The tight twisty section had a good dose of intermittent gravel that made for exciting riding! We eventually made it to Seymour and headed for lunch at the ‘hamburger kiosk’ on the main street.

 

During this stop, another message from Bill who was at Yea. Unfortunately, I couldn’t contact him so we never met up! After a fairly leisurely break it was off to Glenaroua, Pyalong and Emu Flat. With the roads almost deserted and in dry sunny conditions this section went very quickly! After a brief stretch of dirt road we arrived at Baynton, then headed to Lancefield and Romsey. With the sun now behind us and the road in excellent condition, the trip across to Wallan was quite ‘brisk’. With everyone now in the groove, the Eden Park twisties provided some real excitement.

 

We arrived back in Whittlesea with less than 300 kays travelled and, as it was Peter’s birthday, we had a celebratory coffee with him before heading home. Thanks to those who came along. Sorry about the leave stuff-up. I hope you enjoyed the day.

 

 

Ian  Payne (Honda CBR929)