Route: Yarra Glen, Healesville West, Toolangi, Healesville, Narbethong, Marysville, Buxton, Taggerty, Molesworth, Yea, Break O’Day and Glenburn.

This was my first ride on the bike since "Snake Valley" back in early April because for the last six weeks I had been trying to build a pergola.

With the weather forecast being for rain and more rain, I wasn’t expecting too many people out for this ride. Personally I had been hoping that no one would turn up so I could get back home and get stuck into some more pergola’ing! So imagine my surprise to be confronted with twelve people at Yarra Glen all just itching for a ride.

I got the group together and explained the route we would take. It was fairly circuitous so as to consume some time and allow us to arrive at the pub about 1pm. Jack volunteered for the rear rider position and Ron Johnston bid us farewell. (Ron had just delivered the emergency kit — thanks Ron). Due to my lack of riding, I stated I would not be pushing it and that those who wanted to pass me could. Also the worn nature of my tyres and the damp roads were another reason!

We headed out along the old Healesville Road then up to Toolangi, and sure enough it wasn’t long before Ben and Craig latched on. Next down to Healesville and through the Spur. Just before the end several oncoming bike riders motioned us to "slow down" so we weren’t surprised to be confronted with police and fire brigade busy diverting traffic around a large oil spill. We found out later that a 4WD had rolled and spread a large quantity of dieseline on the road. Apparently Craig caused a bit of excitement as he came sliding through the spill!

A stop was made at the Marysville Bakery and although there were plenty of freshly baked tarts inside most of the guys were content to eye off the ones outside, especially the well endowed long legged female blonde types. Never realised Craig had such a long tongue! As if reading his lecherous thoughts, a currawong flying overhead left a message of disapproval on Craig’s YZF mudguard.

Off again and heading for Buxton then up the highway to Taggerty and the Molesworth turn-off. A quick sprint through there bought us out on the highway and heading for Yea. As we passed through Yea we picked up Ray Walker who had missed the start and had been playing catchup all morning. We continued on down the Whittlesea road and the sensational Junction Hill twisties, then onto the Glenburn road and finally the Pub.

Fortunately there were not too many people here today so it was not a problem getting enough seats for the group. It being exactly 1pm most were a bit peckish so we ordered. Then Geoff Jones stood up and announced that as the firm he worked for had just won a large printing contract "the drinks were on him" (actually on his expense account). Thanks Geoff! Whether this gesture was the catalyst or not, some of the group now expressed a desire to partake in some alcoholic drinks. As it is Club policy that "no liquor shall be consumed on Club rides" it was decided to end the ride here.

While waiting for our meals Lyn and Eddie arrived having been out dirt riding around the area. Also the Nimmo family arrived having been visiting the inlaws down in Ferntree Gully.

What a sensational finish to the day. From my initial fears of a low attendance with cold, wet weather we now had a merry group of nineteen people enjoying each other's company in a pleasant warm setting. Thanks to all who came along and made it so enjoyable.