Acheron Way Sunday February 27^th, 2005

Honda CBR1100XX Martin Hastie (leader) Honda Firestorm Lee Tomkins (1^st ride)

Harley Beull Nigel Hellyer Suzuki GSXR1000 Danny Hasnat

Honda CBR919 Breht Emmerson/Libby Yamaha R6 Joel Haley/Megan (rear rider)

Kawasaki ZRX12 Greg Jeffery (1^st ride)

I awoke to another cold Healesville morning and noticed the windows of the car covered with dew from the night before. Not as inviting as the 25-deg weather report might suggest. Yarra Glen is not more than 10 minutes from my door, so it was not long before Libby and I were on our way.

Pulling into the bottom servo at Yarra Glen I saw Martin looking very excited to be fueling up, (must be keen to go, I thought). When I stopped to put some go juice in, I found that today’s ride was almost a no-go event. The power grid to Coldstream/Yarra Glen had been knocked out and was only just back on (explaining the happy chappy on the Blackbird) and the rest of the riders running the servo tanks dry.

A small group, slightly bulked by two new riders, Greg and Lee, met across the road in front of the Original Café. A lot of the regular crew were still in Tassie. We listened to Martin’s short and sweet pre-ride chat for today’s short and sweet ride, then we were off.

We took it easy through the township (Greg, Christmas Hills, still in the back of mind for some) to the Old Healesville Road. Then a quick zip over to Healesville and a magic trip up the Black Spur. With Libby on the back of the bike, the group soon disappeared, leaving the pillioned bikes to the rear, but not too far behind, as traffic congestion had to be overcome to reach the Marysville turnoff. Down the thin, winding Acheron Way road we go, stopping before it turns to dirt for a quick breather.

Martin warned us of a small strip of broken bitumen on the left and then we were off to Marysville for a bite to eat, clean visor etc. Passing a stubborn silver Pulsar using the whole road on the way back gave Libby a scare as we passed a little too close for comfort.

Out of Marysville, with the sun shining past the trees, it was through the twisty bits to the Reefton Spur turnoff. We were given the go ahead earlier by Martin to pass the leader in this section. Buzzing Danny Hasnat was unleashed and set off like a rocket down the Spur, assuming not to be seen again until the bottom. Not the case, however, as Danny (showing off) was spotted heading back up the Reefton before others were halfway down. It was a good run down except for the odd 4WD taking up both lanes, a large contingent Ulysses Club, and other oncoming bike traffic, making you watch your riding line carefully.

With Mr Plod nowhere to be seen, we set a good pace to Warburton. Not quick enough for Nigel, however, who was edging to take over leadership duties. Winding along, the group started to pull away. I kept an eye on Joel in the mirrors, hoping we weren’t holding him and Megan up. Around one corner then the next I checked again and they were nowhere to be seen. I slowed down, thinking the worst, coming almost to a crawl. Libby asked, “What’s wrong?” “I can’t see Joel” is the reply and a U-turn ensues.

Much to our relief, 1 km back we get a wave from a familiar R6, with rider and passenger seemingly ok. Another U-turn and before long we are at the Warburton Bakery. Joel had been stung by another sort of highway pest, a ‘BEE’. He received two very nasty looking bites on his back.

A relaxing lunch and cool drinks were the order of the day with the ride breaking up at the Bakery but most stayed for a chat before heading home. The new guys said they will be back. Danny, with Nigel close behind, headed back up the Reefton Spur. Martin and Joel headed home. I was stuck with fair’s fair as Libby dragged me around the arts & crafts of Warburton.

Thanks Martin for leading and Joel/Megan rear riding and the rest for another friendly MSTCV Sunday outing.

Breht Emmerson (Honda CBR919 ex Ian Payne, oldie but a goodie)