Cardinia Dam and Mt Donna Buang Sunday 8^th August, 2010

Paul Southwell	Honda CBR1000	Cliff Peters	Kawasaki ZX12
Jon Willis	Honda XL1000	Jason Wilson (rear)	Kawasaki ZX9
Ben Warden	Honda CBR954	Geoff Shugg (leader)	Suzuki DL650
Pina Garasi	Honda CBR1000	Les Churcher/Rosemary (1^st ride)	Suzuki Hayabusa
Pierre Ong	Ducati 1098	Paul Sorenson	Suzuki SV650
Justin Eagle (1^st ride)	Aprilia RSV4 Factory	Ken Goederee	Suzuki B-King
Brett Chambers	KTM 1190	Joshua Letson (1^st ride)	Suzuki GSXF650
Peter Jones	Yamaha R1	Michael Oldfield (1^st ride)	Suzuki DL1000
Jarrod Cody (1^st ride)	Yamaha FZ600		17 bikes, 18 people

What an eclectic mix of sports bikes! Suzuki (6 off), Honda (4), Yamaha (2), Kawasaki (2), KTM (1), Ducati (1), Aprilia (1). Seventeen bikes in total which is miraculous when the forecast was only 15 degrees. But then again, no rain was forecast, the first time for the week. And what tasty machines they were: check out that mint RSV4 factory – more bling than a Peter Jones diamond encrusted cufflink. And the KTM 1190 is pure function: full noise, full power, minimum concession to road legality or comfort. Pierre’s Ducati 1098 in full race clothes looking immaculate as usual. V-twins, V-fours, straight fours, big chookies mixed in with hypersports bikes, the MSR caters for all.

There were five first time riders including a soon to be freezing cold, jeans-wearing pillion.

I gathered all the names and ICE numbers, Geoff outlined the day’s activities, Jason appointed himself as rear rider, and we set sail into the pleasant sunshine. Geoff had devised a devious route through all the back roads starting with Kangan Road heading off through the back of McDonalds. With 17 bikes on narrow suburban roads it was a leisurely procession to our first rendezvous, Cardinia Dam. Alas, no one told them we were coming and the gates were all closed due to scheduled maintenance works.

So we continued on to Beaconsfield Upper, picking up some of the President’s favourite get-out-of-town route, but in the opposite direction to usual. Big sweepers up to Cockatoo and then the back road through Macclesfield to Yellingbo and Seville for an early morning tea break after 50 km. We stacked all the bikes up outside the bakery. It was like a show and shine parade, now with more time to admire the various technology and engineering marvels on display.

It was a bit tricky getting fuel on the other side of the road, battling traffic islands and heavy traffic. Time to go. We plodded along the Warburton Highway through Woori Yallock, Yarra Junction and Warburton before reaching the more challenging and exciting Mt Donna Buang Road. At last an opportunity to push a little. The road was wet with one very slippery shiny patch taking both wheels for an adventure before gripping again as if nothing had happened. Better remember that corner on the way down, I thought. Probably black ice.

Past the Acheron Way turnoff and we ran into the queue of cars waiting for an opportunity to get a parking spot. Doors were open and the kids were playing in the snow. The car parks were full and hence only when one vehicle departed was another allowed to proceed. Geoff, forgetting he was riding a bike, joined the queue. I suggested he ride around the outside of all the cars, like bikes should. As a pair we got to the front and were waved through. Pretty sure the bloke didn’t realise there were another 15 bikes behind us!

Paul, Pina, myself and a couple of new guys battled our way into the slushy, muddy carpark looking for anywhere to park. We created a spot, but noticed none of the other bikes followed, so after a few minutes and half a dozen photos we wandered back to the main road to discover the other bikes had parked neatly on the bitumen. Everyone was enjoying the novelty of the snow. Some were colder than others!

After a group photo or five in the difficult contrasty lighting conditions – fiercely white snow, boring black motorcycle clothing, we headed back down the mountain. All survived and much fun was had.

The next scheduled stop was Noojee. Geoff’s route picked up the Old Warburton Highway to Yarra Junction and then the normal Powelltown tight twisties followed by the open sweepers. I was following Pina near Gladysdale when oncoming motorcyclists indicated profusely a police presence. This always creates an air of apprehension and Pina backed off. I assumed the lead - and the risk.

Once in the tight twisties, you are relatively safe as speeds are naturally curbed, but now in the open sweepers the risk rises. Fun versus fear. Experience, skill, odds and dumb luck versus fear. I always take the chance. So many times one person’s excited panic can be nullified with good eyes and careful observation – and experience, anticipating where they might be. Sure enough, it was only right up at the final Noojee T-junction that a marked car was seen in close proximity to the corner markers, Paul Southwell in earnest conversation. No problems, just a friendly licence check.

Lunch was consumed in Noojee as per the day’s planned agenda, our financial resources split between the upper coffee shop and the lower general store. I’m a traditionalist and stuck with Maria’s massive home-made ham and salad rolls at the general store. She has a stash of petrol if we really need it.

Next, up the goat track to Neerim Junction and fuel. Then we headed out through Neerim East rejoining the highway at Neerim South for a smidge before heading for Jindivick and breakup at Longwarry North. At last the ride started to flow! And then it was over.

We finished at the Longwarry North service station after 226 km. Feedback during the week from first time rider Joshua indicated he really enjoyed the ride, particularly the second half. Thanks Geoff for leading and Jason for bringing up the rear on another incident free, yet challenging and exciting ride.

Ben Warden