Black Rock BBQ        Saturday 19th September, 2009

 

On the ride:

 

Paul Southwell (leader)

Honda CBR1000

Nic (first ride)

Aprilia RSV1000

Misho Zrakic & Pina Garasi

Honda CBR1000

Ben Warden

Honda CBR954

John Rousseaux & Kate Stewart

Honda CBR1000

Henry Wright

Triumph 675

Geoff Shugg (rear)

Suzuki DL650

Clifford Peters

Kawasaki ZX10

 

 

 

8 bikes, 10 people

 

At the BBQ all of the above (except Nic) and:

 

Ian Payne & Kerrie Gooding

Dave Ward & Bron Manifold

Bill Wee

Chris Pointon & Suzi Pollard

Ron & Julie Johnston

Julie Warden

Cameron & William (5 yo) Stevens

Ha Du

22 people

 

Saturday’s ride was to be a short one before going to the BBQ put on by Ha. However, this didn’t mean that it was going to be any easier or less exciting than our normal rides. In fact Paul had the tough task of distilling 7 hours of normal riding into just 3 hours.

So to throw any late comers off the trail the original plan of Black Spur, Marysville and Reefton Spur was completely thrown out and we fired along the Old Healesville Road, then up the very windy Chum Creek road and back down the slightly less windy Myers Creek Road. It was a good job it was dry as I don’t think my bike stayed upright for more than a few seconds for the whole first hour!

Masterfully avoiding the Healesville main drag, we went around Powelltown way and along to Jindivic. The warmer air and smooth, dry roads encouraged lots of throttle. I did take a slower line past the infamous corner where I stacked my last bike, a small dent in the fence the only witness to the event.

Then we were cruising down the M1 into a very, very threatening sky. Suddenly it felt like the temperature dropped 10 degrees and it absolutely bucketed down. At this point I was cursing my decision to wear the Dragon’s. As water slowly found its way into every dry part of me (the joys of riding an unfaired bike) it was only the thought of the BBQ that kept me going.

Since it was on the way for me, I stopped at my house to change my clothes. Being a complete chicken, I took the Calais to the BBQ just in time for the rain to stop and the sun to come out. Now I felt like a total knob!

The BBQ was great with a large turnout of Club members and some excellent food. Thanks to all who contributed, particularly Ha who had to cook the meat and fend off the seagulls (us) simultaneously. A great day.

 

Henry Wright