Mt Baw Baw                          Sunday 5th  November, 2006

 

Peter Feistl (leader)

Honda CBR1100XX

Bevan     Roberts

Suzuki GSXR750

Paul Punicki        

Honda CBR600      

Cameron Stevens

Suzuki GSXR1000

Geoff Jones  

Yamaha R1

 

 

 

Many years ago when riding a sexy full fairing sports bike was a mere blip on the radar, I overheard a few guys talking about this great motorbike ride to Mount Baw Baw. There seemed to be a deal of passion in those spoken words! With the passing of the years, I was to hear that legendary yarn from many riders who had travelled the mountain, creating a mythical legend waiting to be experienced.

Time rolled on and turmoil then beset my life. Somehow I emerged with a big, powerful motorbike, somewhat indicative of a mid-life crisis, but with the freedom to enjoy it. Suddenly, the passion of motorcycle riding was a driving force in my life and what better place to go than that mystical place of legendary yarns, Mt Baw Baw.

However a new search is now required to find someone who would take me to the pinnacle and accompany me on this long awaited ride. Turning to the great solver of problems – the Internet, I found the Ben Warden guide to Victorian roads, the MSTCV and see that the Mt. Baw Baw ride is an upcoming event. Sage words from Ben only serve to whet the appetite for the conquering of Baw Baw, but sadly, the day of the ride has me grounded with parental supervision duties.

Many years now go by and still the mountain is untamed. My involvement with the club is ongoing, I have become the MSTCV.Treasurer, yet that elusive ride remains elusive. The blip on the radar is as bright as ever, the bike has travelled 40,000 kilometers more and is still rearing to tackle the mountain, the rider has gained experience and wisdom and is totally prepared for the challenge.

Finally, the long awaited day arrives… We assemble at Yarra Glen and the group is small with Bevan, Paul, Cameron and Geoff joining me for the private conquest, a large contingent away at Towong. Being the lead rider was my task for the day, yet somehow in my earlier thoughts of the victory over the mountain, being the leader was not part of the equation.

Departing from Yarra Glen, the expected route was briskly travelled, Healesville/Yarra Glen Rd, Chum Creek and Myers Creek roads to Healesville. The lead rider gets lost and Geoff leads the way to the Warburton Highway and Yarra Junction. We head along the Yarra Junction/Noojee road and arrive at Noojee, the first stop for the morning. Strategies are discussed on how to best tackle the mountain, riding techniques, tyre choices and the clear road conditions ahead. Finally, the moment arrives… We depart to challenge Baw Baw…

Cameron has decided to follow close behind to ensure my mission is a success and for the first 30 kms an enduring battle by man and machine has the mountain conquered. At this time, Cameron takes the lead and blazes the trail to the top. Obviously, I follow him closely to prevent the mountain regaining lost ground, but today is a long awaited victory for freedom and motorbikes!

Bevan, Paul and Geoff arrive shortly after victory has been won and we chat while enjoying the mountain air on such a warm, sunny day. Perfect conditions for motorcycle riding and savouring victory.

The descent of the mountain is equally enjoyable and we head back to Noojee, where Geoff and Bevan head home. Cameron, Paul and I head for Neerim North, East and South, before stopping at Neerim for a late lunch.

The next leg comprised a ‘Southern Loop’, venturing on to the Old Sale Road and Willow Grove roads and an attack of the bugs. A quick visor clean and we arrived at the base of Mt Baw Baw again, for a gentle reminder of what was. Now it’s back to Noojee for fuel and then the ride home to Yarra Junction and beyond.

Thanks to Bevan and Paul for keeping the ride incident free. Thanks to Geoff for being Rear Rider and occasional leader and thanks to Cameron for accompanying me on my long overdue adventure. It was worth the wait!

 

Peter Feistl