What is the Noojee Tool Shed I hear you ask? It seems that while the Noojee Hotel was undergoing refurbishment, an enterprising local converted his shed into a pub so as to ensure the townsfolk didn’t have to go without a beer. But now it has proved so popular that it has remained.

Tim Walker ZX7R (leader) Jack Youdan VFR800

Geoff Barton R1100GS Rob Matricciani VFR750

Ray Walker GSXR750 Craig Morley YZF750

Daniel Carr RS250 Rob Wordie GSXR750

Ian Payne CBR900RR Ben Warden ZXR750

Greg Hale TL1000S Wayne Grant ZX9R

John Curry R1100RT (r/rider) Ron & Alister Johnston CB750

Chris ? TL1000R (Toolshed only) Andrew Wickes FJ1200

Dave Skitt TL1000S Nick John GPX250

Vincent Melot YZF600 Tim Dahlgren TL1000R

Lindsay Knight GS850 Mark Barouclough XS650

Steve Byrne ZZR1100 Nathan ? CBR900RR

Wayne&Jo Nimmo GSXR1300 (Toolshed only)

With such a large group in attendance, Tim made special mention of our Corner-Marking-System, including who the leader was, Tim, and who the rear rider was, John Curry. We then set off for Healesville, via the back way, through the Black Spur, then Marysville and Cumberland Junction. While corner marking in Marysville, Ben and I became a little concerned, as the waiting grew longer. After some time the problem turned out to be Mark’s Yamaha 650 ‘custom’. (If the truth were known it was actually a XS650 motor in a chopper frame with NO rear suspension and a long raked out front end). Apart from being uncomfortable it was unbelievably slow; in fact halfway up to Cumberland Junction it ceased to go any further!

Overheating was the problem. After a quick check we suspected the ignition points to be the cause. We pointed out to Mark it was better to head for home from here because it was all down hill and, perhaps before coming on another ride, he have the points set properly and a tune-up done!

Ben, rear rider John and I headed of for the Reefton Spur and Warburton where the ride had stopped for morning tea. Just outside of Warburton we noticed a group of bikes on a corner. Yes, someone had gone down, fortunately not one of ours. Later in Warburton while speaking to John and Eric we discovered the crash pilot was a friend of theirs!

Due to the XS650 problem the ride had become quite strung out so a fairly relaxed stop was made at the bakery. It was a good chance to catch up on the news and acquaint ourselves with the new riders.

Soon enough Tim rallied the troops for the final leg, We headed off along the highway, then diverted down a side road that brought us out on the Noojee road. Through Powelltown, then on to the twisty section of road which seemed to have a bit of a bottleneck of riders. It turned out to be another bike, a Suzuki Across two-up stuck behind a car. Once clear of this obstacle the pace increased for the run into Noojee and our lunch stop at the "Toolshed".

On reaching our destination we where greeted by a large contingent of bikes. It seems the Hayabusa Club had the same idea! We put our orders in for lunch then set about for some R & R. Unfortunately the combination of the two clubs put a bit of a strain on the Toolshed resources and hence our meals were a long time coming. Still it gave us a chance to talk to all the newer riders out riding with us.

With ‘lunch’ finally over and due to the lateness of the day, Tim decided to head straight back to Launching Place where the ride would break-up. Thanks to Tim for leading us to this interesting destination and John for doing the rear riding duties.