Alexandra via Broadford Sunday 20^th June, 2004

Honda CBR929 Greg Hales (leader) Harley Buell Nigel Hellyer (rear rider)

From Yarra Glen we’ll head across to Healesville and up Chum Creek Road to Toolangi. At the Highway intersection we’ll head north to Glenburn before cutting inland to Flowerdale, Strath Creek and left to Broadford for the first break. After the Yamahas refuel we’ll head up to Seymour, across to Highlands and Yea, then across the Molesworth Road to Alexandra for lunch. Then over Skyline to Eildon and homeward bound via Taggerty, Marysville and the Black Spur to break up in Healesville. A great ride but deserving of the double hash rating ie not suitable for inexperienced or first time Club riders. The sustained technical nature of the ride often catches people out. Expect around 360 km for the day.

Well, this is what was detailed as the ride for the day. Maybe it was the double hash rating or maybe the weather, but the interest wasn’t there. The only brave soul to arrive at the meeting place at Yarra Glen was Nigel Hellyer on his Buell 1200. After chatting and realising that Nigel had worked that morning, then donned his riding gear to travel from the other side of Melbourne (near Bendigo) I felt that to abandon the ride would be unfair.

We waited until 10:15am just in case anyone was running late. After discussing the weather and the state of the roads I decided to cut the ride short. We headed off to Healesville and up to Toolangi via Chum Creek Road.

From here we went straight across the Highway. I’d forgotten what a great road, although relatively short, the run up to Kinglake is. We then went down the track to St. Andrews, one of my favourite roads, but from previous rides, not appreciated by many.

At St. Andrews we stopped at the pub for a cup of coffee only to find it was not yet open. We decided this would conclude the ride. I dragged out the map so Nigel could work out where he was, and decide how to get to West Meadows where he would meet his other half.

We continued down the Eltham road, Nigel leaving me at Panton Hills. I continued on to Kangaroo Ground and Warrandyte. When I got home it was only 11:40am. I was greeted by my wife Amalia who asked: “What's wrong?” The only times in the past I have arrived back early from a ride, whether a road or dirt bike ride, are after falling off. I reassured her that all was OK and took the opportunity of the early return to get my bike and gear ready for a dirt bike weekend next week.

Thanks to Nigel for his dedication and for being rear rider.

Gregory Hales (Honda CBR929)

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