Drouin  Sunday 22nd May, 2005

 

Honda CBR929           Ben Warden                 Suzuki GSXR1000       Lyn Duncan

Honda CBR1000         Paul Southwell  3 bikes, 3 people, 525 km home to home

 

Standing outside the Yarra Glen Original Cafe in the glorious sunshine, I got the call. Paul, our leader for the day, was twiddling his thumbs in Berwick, wondering where everyone was. At Yarra Glen, of course, as per the itinerary. Paul got out a map and we agreed on a route which would have us intersecting somewhere around or Neerim. Failing that, we would all meet in Loch, the original scheduled first stop.

 

Lyn and I then set off across to Healesville and Launching Place picking up the Noojee Road. After Powelltown evidence of recent rain made the road fairly greasy. My front tyre seemed okay but the back was wanting to let go. Lyn was finding both ends a handful. But we made good progress, the big sweepers devoid of cars and a delight. Mind you, it was very cold through this section, the sun now low in the sky all day at this time of year, the place never really warming up.

 

We took the Nayook turnoff up the hill and popped out on the main Warragul Road at Neerim Junction. I was contemplating taking the Neerim East turnoff to avoid the highway when Paul whizzed past. We regrouped at the turnoff where Paul took over leading. We proceeded directly towards Warragul. Right on queue we were flashed just outside Neerim South, where an unmarked, dark blue TOG car was happily radaring oncoming traffic, though he appeared to be talking on a mobile as we dribbled past.

 

Into Warragul and on to the Main South Road. Near the end I normally turn right to avoid the tight and twisty bumpy section, but Paul kept going straight. Not having travelled on it for some years I was interested to see if there had been any improvements. I was pleasantly surprised to find considerable widening and resurfacing, not contiguous, but definitely an improvement. We emerged on the Ranceby Poowong big sweepers, turning right to Poowong and then dropping down to Loch for fuel and refreshments. Interestingly Paul and I had covered almost exactly 150 km, despite our diverse routes, indicating about the same average speed, him being on the Freeway and us on the open road.

 

Paul had worded up the coffee shop proprietors of our impending arrival and they were happy to see us as usual, though they were expecting 10 of us.  Where was everyone? Sunny, dry, revised forecast of 21 deg. with no rain. The wind was a bit annoying along the ridges, but otherwise perfect riding conditions.

 

Paul was happy to discuss his latest acquisition, a 2,000 km old, 2004 red CBR1000. Having had a 929, a 954 and now the 1000, he was well qualified to make comparisons. He said it was completely different to either the 954 or 929 – motor, handling, weight distribution, steering. The motor had stonking power, with a very linear delivery. The bike is off to his suspension guru to be revalved and sprung to suit his corpulent build, so handling (already seems good) comparisons will have to wait a week or two.

 

Paul had discussed me leading a loop south form Loch and back. With Lyn and I eating our lunch at this stop, Paul noted given there was only three of us, we could go anywhere we liked. He would contact the Drouin Pub and cancel the reservation, and call Dave Ward who had indicated he would meet the group at the Pub, his broken leg still in plaster after the motocross accident. That just left us to have fun.

 

We headed south and up the hill out of Loch on the ridge road, catching a fair amount of the cold westerly wind. The road was dry, barely a car and the surface clean and grippy, apart from the occasional cow crossing. I figured a 100 km loop back to Loch would not require a fuel fill.  At the 11 km mark I peeled right and headed for Kernot. This 4 km section of road was the worst encountered all day: steep, down hill with narrow, poor quality bitumen. I accidentally ran over a snake sun-baking on the road, my first one ever. Onto the flat and right at Kernot heading towards Grantville on wider, sweeping roads, then a loop back to the Wonthagi Loch road via Almurta. I assume most people are lost by now.

 

Down to Archies Creek catching spectacular glimpses of the sea, then around through Woolamai getting mixed up with a horse gymkana,  riders and cars everywhere. Then down towards Kilcunda, stopping to marvel at the 270 degree views while cleaning our visors in the glorious sunshine. I suggested to Lyn and Paul  that we avoid the wind along the Loch Road by heading for Korumburra via Kongwak and a loop up towards Bena and back. These roads are seldom traveled, surface unknown. It was agreed.

 

I memorized the series 6, 5, 4, 19, being the number of kilometers before each turn in a left, right, left, right combination.  Great roads with evidence of much recent road works, and no cars. At the 14 km mark I felt I had just passed the correct turnoff, but 5 km before planned. The initial map reading was faulty. We had another informal regroup, taking lots of pictures and enjoying the views of Korumburra township across in the distance. Eight kays of more tight twisties followed by another 8 km of fast sweepers saw us camped in the BP fuelling up, after 40 km on reserve with 600 ml of unused fuel. Then back to the bakery where we relaxed outside soaking up the filtered rays. More map investigating and planning.

 

We headed north the complete length of the fantastic Korumburra – Warragul Road, making excellent time. On through the township catching the lights feeling very frustrated and restricted by the long expanses of built up area and the 60 km/h zone. Note to self: must find a way around Warragul in future. 

 

At last, heading for Noojee, the road opened out. An oncoming car flashed a warning and sure enough, a marked police vehicle was lurking behind trees at the Buln Buln turnoff. We wobbled our way around the corner, strictly observing the speed limits through Buln Buln (also known as Lightening Ridge after our last effort through here in a rain storm when the whole world lit up, not unlike a speed camera flash). A final glance in the mirror saw the coast clear and a left onto the Crossover sweepers, a truly magnificent road, the speedo even surprising me, the road so smooth.

 

A couple of km of highway to Neerim South and then across to Jindivick and the Labertouche Road with its blind left cresting sweepers providing a great feeling as the bike drops away beneath you as the road disappears, the intangibles of memory and faith the only guides. Back on the flat we pulled up near the Freeway, lots of dirt bike trailers and utes giving us the eye. Farewells bade, it would be a long, painful 100 km home, directly into the sun, already cruelly low, though it was only 4 pm.

 

We stayed together, weaving in and out of the traffic as discretely as possible, left hand raised to visor shielding eyes for much of the way, latching onto the fast vehicles from time to time.  Paul disappeared up the Burnley St chute and Lyn and I continued around to the Bolte Bridge and the Tullamarine exiting at Bell St/Pascoe Vale Road ramp. Lyn dropped round for a coffee and unwind, buzzing after the ride.

 

Lunching at the Drouin Pub were Ian Payne and Kerrie Gooding getting some practice driving their new Mazda 3, Dave Ward and Bronwyn Manifold in the new orange ute, and Kate Pondeljak on her Honda CBR600.  There was some concern why the riders hadn’t made it to the pub, particularly after the proprietor had passed on Paul’s message that they wouldn’t be coming, leaving open the question of why? A crash maybe.  No such sinister reason. Till next time.

 

Ben Warden (Honda CBR929)

 

Meredith   15th May  2005

 

Honda CBR954           Ben  Warden (lead)      Honda CBR900           Shane  Hindle

Honda CBR954           Paul Southwell (rear)    Yamaha  R1                 Geoff Jones

Suzuki GF1200            Ron Johnston                Ducati SS 1982            Manfred  Schopf

Suzuki GSXR1000       Lyn Duncan                  Suzuki Hayabusa          Wayne & Joanne Nimmo

 

Very subdued day nothing happening in the pack and it was a pack today all riding together nearly all day makes a change. Fwy to Werribee then toward Bacchus Marsh. Ben already noteing we’d be easy prey out here. Not often do we do such open roads unavoidable this area. Along Glenmore Rd up the MTCV Hill Climb to see Geoff waitng for us at the top. He’s arrived just in time to get in position to see and hear us coming , there would have been an extra burble with Duke along.

 

Left and through Anakie. Right across a dirt road Geoff had shown us earlier in the year, has now deteriorated to bad corregations. I must remember grouse swimming hole half way, we didn’t stop there the other time either and was about 38deg that day. I thought that was why Geoff had taken us down there, for a swim. anyway on through Steglitz to Meredith/smoko Where of course the hill climb and Dave Ward King of the Hill get a mention, could I be right? Geoff said some crazy figure of 30seconds?

 

Manfred went his own way from here and we all headed (without any stuff ups on this corner, this time, I happened to be marker again) for Mt. Buningyong Fire tower Another  place Geoff had taken us to about 8 years ago. The road up not quite as spectacular as my exagerated memory had me believing the road spirals up one way traffic. Crosses over one way down hill traffic, only once though. I thought there was a lot more spiraling, certainly unusual anyway, lot of moss on the south side of the little bitumen that was there, I had been avoiding it. Ron remarked how slippery it was while we were all huffing and puffing after climbing the stairs to the almost top of fire lookout.

 

After such a foggy start to the day in Melbourne I was surprised we had a fairly good view. Shame no sundial to point out landmarks. We did spot a Koala who took his head out his ass to check us out. Onto Gordon for lunch.

 

Blackwood, Trentham, Woodend I’m sure every one always enjoys this section, round back of Mt. Macedon, onto Romsey and Wallan. Another enjoyable piece. We say goodbyes. Great day big thanks to Paul for rounding us up all day. And of course to Ben, our bunny out front.

 

Lyn Duncan (Suzuki GSXR1000)

 

Lancefield                    8th May, 2005

 

Triumph Sprint ST        Ern Reeders( rear)                    Suzuki GSXR1000       Breht Stuart (1st ride)

Honda CBR929           Ben Warden                             Suzuki GSXR1000       Danny Hasnat

Yamaha R6                  Joel Haley                                Suzuki GSXR1000       Chris Pointon

Bandit 1200                 Ron Johnston (leader)               Honda CBR954           Steve Cowburn

Honda CBR1100         Peter Feistl                               Honda VFR800           Anders Plemge

Honda CBR1100         Martin Hastie                            Suzuki TL1000S          Frank Kopacka (1st ride)

 

It’s a brisk morning with the sun shedding a clear but cold light on the riders gathering on Whittlesea’s United forecourt.  Time to catch up with old mates and say hello to a couple of new guys … asking if this is the MSTCV or the MCTSV, or was it the MTSVC.  Yeah guys, any of those will do.

 

Ronnie’s leading and gives a cryptic outline of the route.  I volunteer to be tail-end charlie given I’m running in my new Trumpy Sprint.  (And I know the cracking pace that el bandito will set). My resolution fails though as we head up the twisties after the Toorourong Reservoir turn-off.  With a motor like a turbine I can’t resist rapping her out and leave Anders behind who has more respect for his license than I have for mine at that moment.  But I drop back at the top and he catches up.

 

Outside of Flowerdale and on to Strath Ck. all the throttles are opened wide, very wide, and I’m barely keeping pace.  Tyres have warmed, passions have warmed and I doubt that anyone’s feeling the cold. The Tyak bends do their normal job of testing what the riders bring to the ride. Then it’s on to and out of Broadford.  More testing.  Long bumpy narrow stretches of the black stuff followed by bends dosed with gravel.  It’s 110% concentration here or you’re off.  This convinces me that off-the-peg suspension is a health hazard and I decide to book the Trumpy into Promecha to get some cheap life insurance.

 

The names of the towns flash by.  Lancefield, Vaughan Springs (where Ball and Welch was started by two women on the goldfields), Hepburn Springs, Daylesford.  One of our number is pulled over and hassled.

 

Lunch takes some time; some of the group have commitments and head off.  The rest of us queue for fuel.  It takes time.  A woman in an SUV occupies one of the two queues to use the windscreen washer to go over the front, then the back then the side windows.  Then ambles off to pay.  Then comes out and does a u-turn into the other queue to start again.  Lordy!

 

We finally get off and head down to Trentham and Greendale.  The speed outstrips the Trumpy’s safety margin and I’m well behind the others.  And the hunched over posture is giving me curry; it’s a long way from the sit-up-and-beg posture of the TDM.  We head off and pull into Bacchus Marsh and I’m a quick wave to Ronnie and off.  Not polite of me but the muscles brook no argument. Thanks to Ronnie for the brisk ride, as always.

………….

 

The Sprint is a run-out ’04 model with factory panniers.  Pearl of a motor and excellent stoppers.  Makes me realise how hard I’d been working to keep up on the TDM850 and how well she did when asked. Not an unmixed blessing though.  In the first 2,000 km the fuel gauge dies, grease leaks out of the rear hub onto the back brake, and a nut comes off the sub-frame and unbelievably ends up rattling round inside the drive sprocket cover.  Finally, about 5 kay out of Strath Creek., on a solo ride, it popped the nipple on the crankcase end of the clutch cable and I’m left stranded almost at the top of the Tyak bends. Thank heavens my mobile is CDMA and I get a signal by scrambling to the top of the saddle.  Takes nine minutes though to get through to the RACV, leaving the battery close to flat.  Wallan RACV ring back and say they’ll get to me in about 50 minutes, but it’s outside of their zone and I’ll need to pay extra.  Sort it out with the RACV says I.  OK says them.  Meantime four cars stop offering help, inc. the Broadford Mower and Motorcycle place – they can take her into the workshop and solder on a nipple.  Tempting, but no, the Wallan guy said he was on his way, so I decline.  But then he leaves a message to say the job’s been passed on to Yea. 

 

So, two hours after the call, the Yea guy arrives with his flatbed – outside of his zone too, he says, but he can’t leave a member stranded.  Hallelujah.  An hour later the Yea servo mechanics hum and hah and say no, can’t do anything.  So the Trumpy gets locked away and I while away a couple of hours eating and sipping at the Yea Country Club hotel.  Good tucker, good service and a fine Mansfield-made Pinot start to unlock the outraged fibres.  At the end of an equally solitary meal in the bistro a guy comes across and offers a lift to Melbourne.  He’s a Guzzi-riding Ulysses member.  But he’s off to the East and I need to get to the North so I regretfully decline.

 

My partner arrives from Melbourne and after a coffee we head back to town.

 

The RACV gets a blast the next day for the pass-the-parcel crap.  They offer to pay to transport the bike from Yea to Broadford to fix the cable.  Encouraged, I ring Peter Stevens’ service dept in the City.  The manager knows about the other faults and offers to ship the Sprint back to Melbourne and get her properly fixed and sorted.  Later in the day I talk to PS manager; he listens to five minutes of invective, apologises, insists the bike will be taken care of, offers the next service free and thanks me for keeping the faith. This is a good start to re-establishing the faith.

 

Doug, on the spare-parts counter, at Peter Stevens, has gone out of his way to ensure a cable is available.  Even rings back at the end of the day to see how things are progressing. So, two and a half working days later, the Sprint is ready to pick up.  Full marks to Peter Stevens manager and staff.

 

Scouring the newsgroups and talking to Sprint-riding acquaintances on email, it sounds like I’ve been unlucky.  Hope so.  I’m up to 3,300 km, the rear tyre will be cactus in about another 1,000 km or so, and I’m looking forward to putting some decent rubber on her and starting to push harder.  Promecha have worked over the suspension; there’s a Rad Guard fitted as well as crash knobs, a hugger, bar risers, and relays to run both headlights on low and high beam.  Ben has given useful advice (as always) on how to get some more compliance out of the front end.

 

The days are getting colder though.  Lucky I got a Sprint with grip warmers.  And there’s a power outlet with a standard socket for a heated vest.  Would I be a wuss and get one?  I’d have to go to a BMW dealer.  We’ll see.

Ern Reeders