This short ride had been proposed by Dave Ward back in September but unfortunately Dave, with Bron, would be heading for Singapore on a holiday and had to give up the leadership. Having spoken to Ben earlier in the week I was informed that Danny Kosinski would be the leader, so I headed for Hallam and the 10.30am start.

Those present:

ZZR600 - Geoff Jones CBR900RR - Ian Payne (leader)

ZX7R — Geoff Barton (rear) R6 - Eric Lenser (3^rd ride)

R850R - Chris Reeves * ZZR250 - Rick Brabin (2^nd ride)

MotoGuzzi Sport 1100S - Jack Youdan

7 bikes, 7 people

While waiting for our leader to arrive, Jack informed me that he would not be going on the ride and had only bought the emergency kit along. Geoff Barton caused quite a stir when he arrived on a newish ZX7R; "it’s a lot different to the BM!" remarked Geoff. With time ticking on and no sign of Danny it was decided we should leave with ‘yours-truly’ in the lead and Geoff B as rear rider with Geoff J carrying the kit. I explained that I had intended to leave today’s ride early as I had friends coming around for a pre-Christmas get-together and now that I was leading it would be a short ride.

We headed around to Narre Warren North, Harkaway, Beaconsfield Upper and Toomuc Valley. So far so good with the weather warm but overcast. We continued across to the Gembrook road but just as we caught up to some cars at Upper Pakenham it began to rain! With this being the first rain for several days, progress was cautious. Thankfully by the time we reached the Mount Burnett twisties the roads were dry again. Onto Cockatoo, Yellingbo, Woori Yallock, Launching Place and Warburton for a break.

Over a drink we learnt that Chris Reeves was Geoff Barton's son-in-law and that he was in the army and had been posted to Oakleigh after a couple of years up at Townsville. He was looking forward to the change and the chance to ride some twisty roads. He had learnt to ride in Tasmania and Far North Queensland roads were fairly straight!

Rick on the little 250 hoped he was not holding Geoff up, as the replacement engine in his bike didn’t seem to have the same power as the old one! Rick’s bike had blown an engine on the Lavers Hill ride back in November and this engine had been sourced from the wreckers.

As the time was getting on our next stop would be Healesville although we would regroup at Cumberland Junction. The Spur was in great condition with some leaf litter on the corners but the complete absence of other vehicles made it a sensational ride. When asked how the ZX7 was Geoff remarked "It’s different but it’s sure got some go."

We continued down to Marysville, Narbethong, the Black Spur and Healesville for break-up. Thanks to all that came and thanks to Geoff for the rear riding duties. Geoff Barton, wanting some more practice on the Kawasaki was going with Chris back to Loch via Noojee and Warragul. I headed straight home to find my visitors had already gone!