Porepunkah Christmas Camp, Sunday 1^st January, 2006

Ian Payne, Dave, Bronwyn and Julie Warden did a pushy ride to Boynton Winery in 43 deg heat (after Julie had already ridden to Bright and back with Julie Johnston.)

Cliff, Danny, Ron, Ben, Breht and I took a leisurely ride over Tawonga Gap, and maybe a not quite so leisurely run (for me), to the Snowman (Falls Creek … Ed.). I was only just keeping Ben in sight till the bridge half way, marking the start of the gooey bitumen and intermittent gravel. A tree across the road with a chainsaw halfway through it had Cliff and I stopping. Ben stopith for nothing, riding under it. I went back to slow the others down at the corner and Cliff helped clear the road.

Pleasant temperature at the top had us in no hurry and even wondering if it was still as hot back at the bottom. Mt. Beauty for a refuel and excitement plus. Danny had earlier offered me a ride on his new GSXR750. Not often I’m offered; even rarer for me, I accepted. Golden opportunity; my next bike? It felt great as soon as I got on, and soooo nimble. I missed the engine braking immediately, but what a sweet handling machine. Much appreciated, thanks Danny. Double opportunity, to see what Danny thought of my suspension, because he had been just so much help to me the first couple of days getting it back to where I was happy with it, after someone else rooted with it.

Tawonga Gap Lookout, swap back. Ben offers me a ride on his 929. While I’m feeling brave I say yes. This will be interesting. The bike felt foreign, even deceiving. Not feeling comfortable at all. All I really know is I need a lot longer ride to really know what I think. Thanks heaps for the experience fellas.

Back to camp early again, because of extreme heat. Ben and tool box are put to work on next door neighbours’ thermostat in their Magna. And a two second job unlocking my seat cowl. Then back to Backgammon and Uno with Breht and Libby followed by swimming and the next big decision: What time for the nightly run up Mount Buffalo?

Bronwyn, Dave Ian and Julie arrive mid arvo. It must have been an exhausting ride in the heat. Bronwyn is going to prepare a lasagna meal for us this evening, but not before joining us for our last run up the Mount, and has picked the best night. Bit of cloud obscuring the sun and slightly cooler. Cliff, Ron, Ben of course and myself, do the extra to the Horn, then back to meet Bronwyn at the Chalet where I was offered champagne by a couple who owned a winery.

Ben takes a few snaps while Cliff and I count rain drops. Ron has already gone straight back. Cliff takes me on a lovely run back down, to a scrumptious meal by Bronwyn. We were going to jot down some ride highlights to relive the week but got side tracked looking through my MTCV photo album, spanning the last 10 years.

It’s been a big week with a ride every day and a run up Mount Buffallo each evening. A huge thanks to Ben who has been on guard leading us the whole time. What a fabulous effort, not gone unappreciated. Also, thanks to our rear riders throughout the week Ian, Breht, Bronwyn and Danny! And everyone’s wonderful company made it a great holiday that was over too quickly. THANKS

Lyn Duncan