Pyalong (short ride) Sunday 2^nd February, 2003

Honda CBR929 Ben Warden (lead) Kawasaki ZX9 Mick Bosworth

Honda CBR929 Pete Weyermayr Suzuki GSXR750 Matt Clark

Honda CBR919 Liz Oliver Suzuki GSXR750 Kelvin Blake (1^st ride)

Honda CBR954 Paul Southwell(2^nd ride) Yamaha R1 Renzo Cunico

*Suzuki GSF1200 Ron & Daniel Johnston BMW R1150GS Rob Langer

Suzuki GSF1200 Stuart Lens (rear) Kawasaki GPz900 Cameron & Vicki Burgess

Suzuki GS500 Tanya Walker Apilia RSV1000 Anthong Gill (1^st ride)

I had a really good run with the lights, the first set that stopped me at Craigieburn on the Hume Highway. Turning right at Donny Brook Road I noticed a large contingent of Ulysses riders including Ian and Sherry Handforth in their readily identifiable bike gear. My bike was going well, the motor enjoying the relatively cool air, with only 28 degrees the predicted temperature for the day.

Arriving twenty minutes before the scheduled 10.15 am leave, I was surprised to find a few bikes already there including a couple of new riders, Kelvin and Anthony. Kelvin had emailed me during the week and Anthony had contacted me by phone. And Paul Southwell was back for his second ride. His only other ride was the near epic Eildon Ride early in January which, unfortunately, is summed up as 30 bikes, 3 bookings, 2 crashes and plenty of delays. Fairly unflattering statistics. But here he was.

I gave a fairly comprehensive pre-ride spiel, particularly emphasizing what is expected in the case of a breakdown or accident. After reading this month’s magazine articles it became clear to me that unscheduled stops were not being handled as per the Club rules, and consequently disrupting the flow of the rides. In particular Rule 4 states: “Any member wishing to leave the main body on the journey before the next stop is reached, must first inform the group and the group leader. If this is not possible he must inform the rear rider. He must ensure no-one follows him accidentally.” This includes having a leak, getting petrol, or going home. The job of rear rider is onerous enough without making it any harder. Of course, every delay means corner markers sweltering out in the sun, a definite turnoff for prospective members. Enough lecturing.

Cameron and Vicki volunteered their first aid experience at levels 2 and 3 respectively. Cameron seemed to have a pannier full of bandages and other first aid equipment. He assured me the other pannier was full of food! I hoped we didn’t get that lost.

Stuart accepted the rear riding responsibilities and we were away around 10.20 am. Pete and Liz had suggested the previous night that they expected to be on the ride. Ron had seen them on the way, but was concerned his directions may have been difficult to follow – a critical sign post could easily be missed. I suspected a puncture or close encounter with the constabulary. As it turned out, we were both right.

We made good time to Flowerdale, Strath Creek, King Parrot Road, Trawool and Pyalong. The weather was warming up, conditions ideal for riding, with very few cars on the road. Highlights/incidents included having a massive rear end slide (gravel) on a fast left hand corner (where the bus was parked, in the middle of the road work section, for those on the ride) a few kilometres before Flowerdale. Later Renzo shook my hand, a word not spoken beforehand. He was behind me at the time. Secondly, we were riding though strong smelling, smoke filled air, the north wind bringing the smoke down from the north east Victorian bushfires. Thirdly, evidence of the drought is dramatic. There is no grass. There are no animals. The fields are eaten bare, the ground appearing smooth, bald like. Along the Pyalong Road where the trees are close to the road, there is no undergrowth. Great for visability, not good for the farmers. There is just no vegetation other than established trees. Though I did see an echidna on the return trip.

We arrived at Pyalong at 11.20 am after 112 km and one hour – and I ran out of corner markers quite a few times and had to wait. It was obviously a fast ride, though it didn’t feel that way because the roads were wide and flowing, with the occasional bump to wake you from your reverie. I assisted the shop proprietor in the filling of everyone’s tanks. He obviously couldn’t be in two places at once – at the bowser and at the till – and was happy to share the load. After this operation I handed out hard copy sheets showing the new itinerary, the card version still at the printer, but available at the general meeting (hopefully).

At about 12.05 pm, just as we were about to head off, Pete and Liz rolled in, the distinctive sound of their mixed exhaust note detectable from the previous corner. Apparently they had missed the Whittlesea start time due to getting lost, and then set off in hot pursuit, guessing the route accurately. Around Trawool, just cruising, Pete out in front noted an oncoming Commodore had slammed on its brakes as it went past, and begun a U turn.. Liz was pulled over and experienced the latest police amateur psychology at its best: the cop just stood and stared, not a word spoken. I guess people gush apologies and confessions, hanging themselves. Liz remained mute, and waited. Finally the copper cracked, asked a strange question to which Liz responded with an absolute confused look on her face. This confused him. He mixed up colours, makes, models. Wasn’t there a second bike? Yeah, some guy passed me …. The cop was all apologies as he set off in pursuit, slightly embarrassed.

With the help of mobile phones, Pete and Liz eventually found each other again, Pete claiming to have sat on the Tallarook turnoff for half an hour. Now at Pyalong, Pete, still running on adrenalin, was itching to join the ride. But as Liz pointed out, they hadn’t been off their bikes since 9.15 am and she needed a break. I suggested we would pick them up on the way back as I planned to loop out to Emu Flat, down to Lancefield and back to Pyalong before heading back to Broadford, Strath Creek and Kinglake West. This allowed then 25 minutes to get petrol and some food.

Speeds picked up on the second stage as the newer riders found their feet and gained some confidence. It helped that we travelled back on the some of the roads we had ridden on earlier in the day. I was never waiting long at corners now. Matt and Mick tailed along on the final stint from Flowerdale to Kinglake West, Matt enjoying being pulled out of his comfort zone.

All done by twenty past one. “Incidents: none”. Suspension became the hot topic of conversation. Tanya had a nasty full lock slide when she was bounced out of a dip heading into Pyalong. Ray had witnessed it. A severe lack of rebound damping the probable cause. Ron was riding two up today and his rear shock was also not coping, the Bandit weaving around the corners. I didn’t catch whether cranking up the rebound improved the situation or not. And Mick’s ZX9 has now done 20,000 km without any suspension work – not even fork oil change(s). When he rode Matt’s GSXR750, it felt rigid and on rails – like his bike felt when new. I expect Mick to email me during the week and I will supply him with Rod Sharp’s details. There is no easy fix. Just shut your eyes and pay the money.

The ride broke up at Kinglake West with riders departing in all directions. Pete and Liz headed back home to continue their house hunting. Thanks to Stuart, our rear rider for the day, who reported that the ride flowed well, with no unexpected hold-ups. Thanks to all who attended.

Home by 2.30 pm. The bike has now done 73,600 km. I have fitted a second hand Battlax touring compound rear tyre which I am having second thoughts about. But Enzo assures me I went right through the middle of the strip of gravel. I wasn’t that keen to push it all day – which may be a good thing!

Ben Warden (Honda CBR929)