Broadford & GP BBQ - 14th October 2001        

           

Ray Walker                  GSXR600 (leader)                   Ian Payne  -                  CBR919RR    

Peter Summers             YZF1000 (1st)                          Craig Morley                YZF750          

Trevor Harris                YZF1000                                 Shane Penrose              YZF1000 (2nd ride)

Ben Warden                 CBR929RR                             Dave Walker                 RGV250        

Geoff Jones                  R1 (rear rider)                          11 bikes, 11 people

 

At Sunbury: Jon Riddett, Rob Langer and  Kirsten Anderson, Ron Johnson, Danny Kosinski, Katrina, Tanya, Maree, Jye and Riley Walker.

 

As I headed to Whittlesea for the start of this ride, I stopped for fuel and while there heard the distinctive sound of Danny Kosinski’s VFR750 going past. Must be going to Whittlesea too, I thought! I continued along Springvale road and although a little wet it was not raining so a reasonable pace could be enjoyed as I rode through Warrandyte, Kangaroo Ground and Hurstbridge. As I proceeded through Arthurs Creek a group of boys motioned for me to perform a mono! I ignored them, “Who do they think I am? Craig!”

 

At the Whittlesea servo there was quite a good turnout, considering last year only 3 bikes turned up. Ray gave a brief outline of the route, and, although Broadford was on the itinerary, he hadn’t really planned to go there! Geoff volunteered for the rear rider position and we were on our way.

 

The pace to Kinglake West was “pretty brisk”, but this is really the only way to enjoy this section of road. Likewise, the next section to Flowerdale and Strath Creek was brisk. Here I corner-marked with Trevor and became a bit concerned at the delay! Turned out that the emergency kit had came adrift from Geoff’s R1 and some time was lost as he retrieved it!

 

We continued up the King Parrot Creek road to the Highway. Then a very quick sprint to Trawool, Tallarook and Pyalong where we stopped for morning smoko. While stopped it became quite clear that the “tuning fork” brand (Yamaha) made up the majority of the bikes with the Thunder Ace being the most popular! The stop also allowed Ray time to map out the next stage of the ride.

 

Down to High Camp and then along a short, interesting road we don’t often use that connects to the Lancefield road. On to Lancefield, then along to Newham, Hanging Rock and Woodend. Through the town, then up into the grouse roads through Mount Macedon, and then down to Gisborne. While here, a few of the riders took to the service station for fuel. A little later I wished I’d done the same!

 

We pushed on to Toolern Vale and Diggers Rest and, with me on reserve, the trip was painfully slow. Finally Sunbury appeared, followed by the Walker household and the relief of a nearby service station. Along the way Geoff and Peter had left us to do their own thing. Just as we arrived so did Danny! It seems that in the morning while heading to Whittlesea he missed the turn-off on the Eastern Freeway (perving on a “car” he said!) and by the time he backtracked he would have been late. So rather than go to Whittlesea, he went straight to Broadford. After waiting for more than 2 hours he decided we weren’t coming and headed back to Ray’s.

 

Jon and Ron were already there so Ray fired up the BBQ and we all settled down to watch the racing. Shortly after Rob and Kirsten arrived in the Jensen. Those unfamiliar with this car went to have a look and marvel at the massive 6.3 litre Chrysler power-plant. The rest of the afternoon was spent glued to the tellie watching the great racing. When things got a little boring Ray fired up his paddock bike and did a few laps of the adjacent park! All in all a great day. Thanks to Ray and Katrina for allowing us the use of their home; thanks to the girls for the salads etc and thanks to Kirsten for the GP cake (it had little motorbike decorations on top).

 

Ian Payne (Honda CBR919RR)