Lancefield (aka Strathbogie via Highlands) Sunday 23^rd April, 2006

Suzuki GSXR1000	Lyn Duncan (leader)	Honda CBR954	Roger (2^nd ride)
Yamaha R1	Geoff Jones (rear)	Honda VTR1000	Collin Hall (1^st ride)
Honda CB1000	Marty Thompson	Kawasaki ZX9	Cameron (1^st ride)

I headed out early to visit K & J Whittlesea for their open day. It turns out I’m a week early. Geoff has arrived slightly early also. I scope out for coffee, to return to the servo and inform Geoff that nothing is open. By that time Geoff has fuelled up and Marty is just arriving and Roger, from two weeks ago, has brought along Collin. Cameron, another first timer, fuels up too.

Ern was up for this ride to Strathbogie, but is off in Tasmania chasing a lathe, an opportunity too good to miss. I announce that if I’m to lead, there will be a change of route. Everyone seems happy with our intentions. Geoff volunteers for rear rider. I note later we are the only two members, Marty, being an ex-MSTCV president back in town.

We’ll do St Andrews twisties and it will be dry. It hasn’t rained overnight. (It wasn’t dry, shame). On to Glenburn, Junction Hill, and Yea for fuel and food top up. A discussion ensues on how far everyone feels like riding. I particularly felt like doing Highlands. It was decided to head back over to Tallarook, Pyalong and Lancefield for lunch.

Geoff Cameron, Colin and Roger took to the warmth inside the Bakery. Deliberation. After lunch, now on the intended route, thinking I would recognise turn-offs as I came to them, had Geoff leading from the back on about four occasions with one U-turn, half a U-turn and two corner checks. Sorry everyone.

Good. Broadford. Familiarity. Over to Tyaak, which has been resurfaced, but looked wet and tricked us all, I think. Through Flowerdale, looking absolutely glorious in leaf colour change. The roads were dry and it seems everyone enjoyed themselves, with smiles all round at our break-up point at Kinglake West.

420 km home to home. Thanks again Geoff.

Lyn Duncan