Daylesford - Sunday 6^th February 2005

Honda CBR929 Ben Warden Suzuki GSXR1000 Lyn Duncan

Honda CBR954 Paul Southwell Suzuki GSXR1000 Michael Albnase (1^st)

Honda CBR929 Ian Payne (lead) Suzuki GSX1300R Wayne & Joanne Nimmo (rear)

Honda CBR1100 Martin Hastie Yamaha R1 Ron Solomon

Harley Buell Nigel Hellyer Yamaha R6 Joel Haley

Kawasaki ZX12R Hans Wurster Yamaha TDM850 Ern Reeders

Kawasaki ZX12R Chris Pointon (1^st) Yamaha TRX850 Tony Raditsis

I arrived at Whittlesea feeling a bit off colour to be confronted with more horsepower than at the Melbourne Cup! Jeez, I thought “better extract the digit” with this group! Unfortunately, in my condition that would be hard to achieve as I’d stuffed up my back on Australia Day installing an air conditioner. In fact, I’m still having some problems as I type this write-up in March! Still, after a couple of analgesics for breakfast, I felt quite good and intended to give the group a good run.

With Wayne and Joanne at the rear we set off. My plan was to keep the fast guys corner-marking. We set off up to Eden Park and Wallan, then across to Romsey, Lancefield and Kyneton via Pastoria East. Although this stretch of road is notoriously bumpy, I felt quite good, which is more about the wonders of modern medicine than superior suspension.

The break allowed some time with the group. I expressed surprise at Ron riding an R1 for, as the proprietor of “Balls Performance Bikes” he’s usually astride a Suzuki. But although the brand new Yamaha looked stock, the ominous “remapped” sticker on the side showed Ron had played with the internals. It was also good to catch up with Hans, a long term member and ex-president of the Club.

After the leisurely break, it was off to Metcalfe, Sutton Grange, Chewton, Fryertown, Vaughan and Guildford. So far we had enjoyed quite good roads but, after missing a turn-off, we had to endure a short stretch of highway which, unfortunately, coincided with the appearance of Mr. Plod! Most survived the encounter except Paul who had to work hard at pacifying Victoria’s Finest who was intent on making an example of the group on behalf of the local motorists! Full marks to Paul for achieving a drop in the initial penalty!

As usual, Daylesford was full of day trippers, but we still managed an enjoyable leisurely lunch. As my headache had returned with a vengeance, Ben agreed to lead the group and I took over the back marker duties from Wayne and Joanne. We took the usual good roads down to Trentham, Blackwood and Greendale, then a little bit of freeway past Bacchus Marsh before detouring to Toolern Vale and Diggers Rest where the ride finished.

Thanks to all those who came along and especially Wayne and Joanne for being rear rider. I’m glad on the return run he had a chance to ‘extend’ the Hayabusa.

Ian Payne (Honda CBR929)