Broadford Ride Day - Saturday 10^th June, 2006

A few club members had done a Honda track day at Sandown back in May and the opportunity for one at Broadford was too good to miss. As they say, “A ride day is cheaper than a speeding fine and much more fun”!

Honda CBR1000RR	Paul Southwell	Honda CBR1000RR	Ian Payne
Kawasaki ZX10R	Danny Hawker	Yamaha R1	Dave Moore
	Dave Ward	Kawasaki ZX6R	Darryn Webster
Kawasaki ZX6R	Marty Thompson	MV Agusta 750S	Darryn Webster
Honda CB900 Hornet	Marty Thompson	Van	Donna Thompson

The day was organised by Raven Racing. Through Dave Ward, the Club has benefitted with a few door prizes donated by Simon and Mel, the proprietors of the company. The idea was to be at the track by 8.30am but if you thought getting up and leaving by 7 am on a Saturday was early, spare a thought for Danny Hawker who had to leave home at 3.30am to arrive for the start!

The morning was quite cold, about 5ْ according to the radio, but no problem, as I fired up the van for the trip. The bike and all my gear were on board and I had pre-paid for a City-Link pass so it would be a fairly direct run along the South Eastern, Bolte Bridge, Ring Road, and Craigieburn Bypass to the Hume. But first a quick stop at the local service station for gas and fuel, then away, or it would be if the van would start!

What a time for the starter motor to play-up; talk about ‘Murphy’s Law’. After about 20 minutes of banging, cursing and swearing it finally burst into life and I was on my way. The trip to Broadford was quite uneventful and although still cold, it wasn’t till I passed a road sign on the Hume stating the current temperature of 1ْ did I realise how cold. So when I arrived, I wasn’t surprised to learn that Paul and Dave Moore were still home in bed!

After scrutineering we were briefed on the day. We would be divided up into 3 groups, comprising track novices, experienced road riders and race bikes. Mel advised what tyre pressures we should be running. The recommended 30 psi sounded a bit low but, as he explained, due to the high silica content in modern motorcycle tyres, the side-walls are quite stiff. Hence the lower pressure! He also mentioned that they had a full compliment of ‘Bridgestone’ rubber if anyone required some new tyres.

Finally we got out on the track, which, with my stiff neck, I found quite demanding, but still good fun. Everyone in our little group seemed to be having a good time. After our second session, Darryn decided to put a new tyre on the MV so for the next stint Dave rode the bike to scrub in the tyre and Darryn rode his ZX6R. With the MV in the lead you could see the slower pace was holding up the troops so on the back esses Darryn pulled out on his ZX6 and made the pass. When I looked again both Darryn and the bike were down, spiraling to a stop on the road. Fortunately, not too much damage to either man or machine, just that bewildered look of ‘WHAT HAPPENED?”!

It wasn’t until later when Mel came over to check things out that he advised Darryn that the 002 Battlaxe tyres he was running are virtually race tyres and therefore need heating up before they offer their best grip. Not so much of an issue on the road as there are usually lots of straight bits to warm up the rubber before the first bend. Something to remember if you live on ‘The Boulevard’!

All too soon it was lunch-time and we were joined by Bronwyn, who apart from bringing the lunch (thanks heaps) also used the run to test out her new riding gear in preparation for her and Dave’s impending motorcycling holiday in Europe. The break allowed us to inspect Darryn’s crash site for any bits and pieces from the bike.

After lunch it was more of the same with everyone swapping bikes and having a great time, even Dave Moore was impressed with Darryn’s bike and would buy one … if the price was right!

As the day progressed people started to leave, so the sessions became mixed with plenty of Motards and race bikes carving everyone up. I had had enough so I gave the CBR to Dave Ward to ride in the last sessions. All was going well until some clown on a race bike almost took him out, not once, but twice! Dave was fuming and did he let the other guy know-it. Not that he can’t handle the cut and thrust of racing, ‘just not on a mate’s new road bike’.

By now my rear tyre was looking quite ragged so I approached Raven to fit a new one. Just my luck; no BT-014’s in my size, but if I could come down to the factory during the week – no problems. This I did and while I was there checked out the extensive range of motorcycle related products, oils, tyres, stands, levers, accessories and customizing parts. Very impressive. For all club members, Simon will not only offer a competitive price but a discount as well! So when you need some bike gear give them a call in Croydon on 9723 4211. I digress.

Now the day was over and people started to head home. I would do the same, if only the van would start. A push start from some of the guys fixed that and we were on our way, tired but happy.

PS The next day being Sunday I had planned to do the Highlands ride and although my rear tyre was worn I knew it would be okay for just-one-more-ride! So imagine my concern when on my way to Whittlesea a friendly policeman waved me in for a rego/license/breath test. Mild panic took over as he walked to the rear of the bike and then shouted “Hey, get a look at this.” But then relief as he continued “You can actually see his number plate!” The other copper who was checking my license, then chimed in “And he has an actual motorcycle license as well.” Apparently, they get quite a few bikes with obscured number plates or unlicensed guys riding a mates bike. They wished me well and sent me on my way, oblivious to the state of my rear tyre. Talk about a close one!

Ian Payne