Alexandra                                        17th April 2005

 

Honda VFR 800      Anders Plange                          Yamaha          R6            Joel Haley  

Honda CBR954            Ricky Gilbert                          Yamaha          R1            Kevin Mitchell

Honda VTR                 Brett Harrison                                   Suzuki GSXR 1000            Ben Fuller               

Suzuki GSXR 750      Mick & Leanne             BMW R1150GS            Rob Langer (rear rider #2)

Honda CBR1100XX             Martin Hastie   (leader)            Yamaha YZF 1000             Peter Parissi 

Yamaha FJ1200             Trevor Harris   (rear rider #1)

 

The rest of the Jone’s Boys didn't stop for lunch at Yea:

Suzuki GSXR 1000    Michael Albanese             Suzuki GSXR600            Clint Sillett               

Honda Blade 954      Rob Jones                Yamaha R1                 Graham Tattersall         

Honda CBR900            Ken Merchant                      Yamaha R1                 Peter Fisher              

Honda Blade 919      David Dolphin                        Kawasaki ZX9            David Hives               

GSXR600                    Craig Davidson            Honda Shadow 750             Rob Davidson            till Marysville

Left Yarra Glen just after 10am after giving the run down of the reversed route, via Chum Creek then back to Healesville. Nearly the whole way we had to fight for road space with the cyclists some taking up all the road in groups, others getting tired and stopping for a rest mid-corner in the 100km zone. Next, through the Spur where Ricky wanted to get closer to nature and missed a corner, riding into the bush. Broken mirror, bent indicator and gear lever, and some scratches.

Morning tea in Marysville where Rob D left for work commitments.

Next down the highway where en-route to Thornton I came up very fast on a white 4 wheel drive only to see at the last minute the small word "POLICE" on the back of it. I had to decelerate quickly and then ride at what seemed a snail’s pace until he pulled into the milk bar in town.

Off to Eildon, then through the National Park where Peter Parisis has his “off”. From what I was told, he skidded for about 20 metres before slamming into the embankment, destroying the rear of his bike, broken wheel and torn tyre, then another 10 metres bouncing along the embankment. Thought the injuries were broken ribs.

We regrouped at Alexandra, with Trevor staying at the crash scene to assist the emergency services including two SES vehicles, two ambulances and one police car. Rob Langer took over the rear riding duties and we headed off to Yea for a late lunch. Some of the group finished the ride here, deciding to lunch in the pub. Eleven riders continued on the ride.

 

After lunch we did the Melba Highway with a detour through Murrindindi along 21 kilometres of quiet road including nice gentle bends and no traffic. We only had one camera car to worry about, some traffic, and one very close encounter with a kamikaze parrot. Missed me by millimetres.

Finally we headed to Kinglake for the break-up point. From all I spoke to they said they had a good day and weather permitting they should be on the next club ride.

Thanks to Trevor for his rear riding and helping at the scene, also Rob for taking over the rear riding duties, and finally to the weather: it was a beautiful day for a good ride.

 

 

Martin Hastie (Honda CBR1100XX)