Novice/Casual ride Saturday 11^th August, 2007

Ian Payne	Honda CBR1000	Dave Ward	Suzuki GSXR600
Paul Southwell	Honda CBR1000	Breht Emmerson (leader)	Suzuki GSXR600
Ben Warden	Honda CBR954	Geoff Jones (rear #1)	Yamaha R1
Jacinta Thomas	Honda CBR900	Marty Thompson (rear #2)	BMW R1100RS
Trevor Harris	Yamaha YZF1000
Barbara Rolfe			9 bikes, 10 people

This was an experimental ride to see if we could capture those riders who think we travel too fast, go too far, don’t ride on Saturday’s, etc, etc. Breht had been canvassing riders in the Healesville area and felt there could be a demand for this introductory style of ride, the plan being that new riders get a taste of who we are, what we ride, and then come out on a regular Sunday ride. The Committee decided it was worth a fly and allocated a couple of Saturdays on the itinerary, albeit the winter itinerary.

Well, it was a good plan. Unfortunately the weather forecast conspired against us. Obviously, the people we are trying to attract – “mid-life crises” returning to riding, new young guys looking for a group to ride with, hoons, anyone really – don’t like riding in the rain, or forecast rain. As it turned out, there was no rain all day other than the last 20 kilometers back to Healesville across the Black Spur.

Breht, noting the extreme lack of first time riders (Committee plus three ordinary members), immediately altered the route to reflect a short but typical Sunday ride. The plan was to leave Whittlesea and head to Alexandra via Yea, but now include Strath Creek for a few extra kilometres of twisty roads. Geoff volunteered to go rear rider until lunch, and then Marty would take up the reins.

Amazingly, the weather would stay fine and dry all day reaching a relatively warm 16 degrees, the warmest day for a couple of months, it felt like. Barbara was pillioning with Trevor, a rare sight. Julie W. had taken one look at the forecast – clearing showers, strong north winds – and declined the opportunity. I offered the 954 seat to Ern Reeders, nearing the end of his enforced riding sabbatical, but he had been offered a snow skiing outing. It was an easy choice.

The Flowerdale Road is pretty treacherous at the moment with lots of water draining down driveways and onto the road, depositing clay coloured water and debris. Combine this with the large number of shiny bitumen patches makes choosing the correct line and having good tyres essential. (It was diabolical the next day in the rain, where I suffered a nasty slide and insipient tank slapper. We were a jabbering, excited crew at the Kinglake West finish, that’s for sure. I digress.)

Riding as one group, nose to tail, we made rapid progress. Heading into Yea we were given ample notice by oncoming vehicles of the impending speed camera car, a golden Commodore wagon. (Next day it was parked on the Wondong-Wallan Road. Trev recognised the numberplate!)

On to Yea, Molesworth and the 16 kilometres of fun to Alexandra for morning tea at the bakery. Low grade coffees were purchased – Dave went back for a stronger one. A couple of photos and then we were on our way again, making a bee-line for Taggerty and Marysville. Mr Plod in his 4WD entered the roundabout from my left, dissecting the group, and stopped, watching and waiting, spooking the guys. Across the Spur the neddies were loosed, but now the road was streaming wet and only conducive for high stress, low speed (relatively) riding, with smooth riding and braking the name of the game.

Healesville, the final destination after 190 km saw the group split into two groups: those stopping for lunch at the cafeteria, and those pressing on home to wash bikes and catch the footy.

Thanks Brett for leading and may the weather gods smile on your next ride – Saturday 22^nd September. Thanks to Geoff and Marty for rear riding.

Ben Warden