Highlands Sunday 4^th July 2010

Ben Warden (leader)	Honda CBR954RR	Ha Du	Honda CBR600
Paul Southwell	Honda CBR1000RR	Phil Hotschilt	Suzuki Hayabusa
Misho Zrakic	Honda CBR1000RR	Cliff Peters	Suzuki GSXR1000
Ron Johnston	Honda CBF1000	Paul Sorenson	Suzuki SV650
Jon Willis	Honda Varadero 1000	Rod Merrett	BMW HP2
Pina Garasi	Honda CBR600RR	Damian Jones (rear rider)	Yamaha R1

It had stopped raining overnight, though the ground was still wet. Poked my head outside and decided I was still going riding regardless. Another day in paradise, I thought. Got myself well rugged up for the occasion; no use going out there and freezing your bum off.

Left home in plenty of time but still struggled to get to Whittlesea before 10am. Upon arrival, there appeared to be a large group which was good, considering it was a cool day. I look at it this way; it doesn’t matter if it’s cold, so long as it’s not raining.

Among the crowd, I spotted former member, Jon Willis. He used to ride with the Club about 12 years ago. It was great to see him and catch up.

Ben was taking care of business today `cos Peter Feistl was unable to lead. It was going to be a short ride. Ben did his usual soapbox spiel. He noted that there would be a few new roads, or roads that we would do in the opposite direction to normal, starting with the Humevale Road which bypasses the main drag. I had been through here years ago and it wasn’t too bad. It is very narrow - only one car wide and you have to be careful. The Black Saturday bushfires had certainly cleared it out, but it was interesting all the same.

We regrouped at the top for a photo, near Coombs Road where Brian Naylor, the former TV news reader, and his wife, lost there lives in the fires.

Flowerdale and Strath Creek here we come. At Strath Creek there were other motorcyclists outside the store. Jon thought they were with us and pulled up, but I waved him on.

The road to Broadford is a favourite of mine, so I decided to crank up the volume. I ended up catching Ben just as we got to Tyack. Suddenly it’s brakes on and we turn left onto the Reedy Creek road.

After overshooting the turnoff, I do a U turn and ride back up the hill and corner mark, giving the following riders enough time to slow down before the turn. We rode on till we hit the dirt, did a U-turn and came back out again. Short, but interesting. On to Broadford and parked outside the usual bakery, a welcome stop considering how cool it was.

From Broadford we took the usual well worn path up the hill and towards Glenaroua in a roundabout sort of way. They have almost finished the decking on the bridge at the bottom of the hill just after the sharp left turn. It was like that a couple of months ago. In the interim they have cut a track through the river bed to be used until the bridge work is complete.

Between here and Seymour Ben did some different roads including a new link road across to the Seymour Highlands Road. Then down to Yea for lunch.

Jon said he had been really enjoying himself and now realised what he had been missing out on for all of those years away. He would be back.

The service at the bakery was very poor. Frustrated, Jon asked “how long do I have to wait to get a pie?” There were several people behind the counter who appeared to be not doing much.

The last leg of the journey was about to start, so mount your machines and we are out of here. Junction Hill is another favourite road of mine. Bide your time till we reach the bottom of the hill, and then let hell break loose. Don’t spare the horses! Up and over we go, across the top and down the other side, braking hard for the turn into Break O Day.

Across to Glenburn turning right where the pub used to be, riding south down the highway until we find that road that heads off into the bush and meanders its way up to Kinglake. A couple of riders depart here while the rest of us continue down the Kinglake/St Andrews Road, which is like doing aerobics for the wrists: left/right - left/right - left/right.

On to Panton Hill turning at the pub and then continuing on to Kangaroo Ground where we finish up outside the General Store. A good day was had by all, even if it was cool.

Thanks to Ben for leading, and Damian for performing the rear rider duties. According to my odometer the ride was 268 kilometres long. Until next time, may your lid never skid.

Ron Johnston