|
Willem Vandeveld (rear) |
Honda ST1300 |
Geoff Jones |
Yamaha R1 |
|
Dave Ward |
Honda CBR1000 |
Graham Tattersall |
Yamaha R1 |
|
|
Honda CBR1000 |
Pina Garasi |
Yamaha R6 |
|
Ron Johnston |
Honda CBF1000 |
Dave Hives |
|
|
Ben Warden |
Honda CBR954 |
Cliff Peters |
|
|
Peter Fisher |
Honda VFR800 |
Rob Langer (leader) |
BMW R1150GS |
|
Dennis Lindemann |
Honda CBR600 |
Ivan Radywonik |
KTM 990 |
|
Ha Du |
Honda CBR600 |
Rob Jones |
Suzuki GSXR1000 |
|
Dave Williams |
Honda CBR600 |
Cindy Lee |
Honda VTR250 |
|
|
|
|
18 bikes, 18 people |
Rob did warn us… “Look out for Police on the Black Spur” - but I kind of forgot when I hurried to catch up with our group after I was delayed corner-marking. Oh, the dread, when I was flagged down in the middle of the Black Spur.
“Any reason for doing 120 km/h in an 80 km/h?” “Err, um, I wasn’t aware I was doing that”. “Licence please”. I pass it to him. Waiting, waiting… remove helmet thinking a remorseful disposition may evoke some leniency. “Pina?” “Yes.” “You’re lucky today; normally you’d have six months’ suspension but they cannot identify your number plate, so no fine will be issued”. Oh yippee... the joy… I can’t believe it! I humbly reply “Thankyou”; “And I should book you for overtaking on a single, solid white line.” But the fine does not materialise. He only adds “You’re out to enjoy the ride – there’s no need to do that sort of speed here.” I nod in full agreement and enquire as to how my speed was “captured”. I’m informed that they had a police car with radar hiding in the bushes. I give my thanks again and proceed cautiously on with the ride, constantly checking my speedo in case there is a subsequent attempt to record my speed.
The person I overtook on the solid, single white line was another motorcyclist (not with us) who I think inadvertently may have been my salvation as his presence probably meant that the police were unable to clearly assign the speed reading to either him or myself. The funny thing is that the other motorcyclist behind me also stopped when I was flagged down by the police. When I was leaving I asked the policeman if he needed to attend to the other motorcyclist, he said “No, he is free to leave.” I advised the motorcyclist of this; he said he was “There for the conversation!” I was momentarily confused, then off I went.
Shortly afterwards
We stopped and exchanged our ‘story’ and then proceeded to chase the ride, this time a bit faster with me hiding behind Ben for cover. Luckily, Dave Ward decided to wait for me at the Marysville turnoff after realising that I was engaged in a conversation with the police. Thanks Dave, most thoughtful of you.
I was so happy about being able to continue on with the ride which ended up being a good one, full of “yee-hah” moments. Thanks Rob. And to ‘il presidente’ – Ian - you sure know how to look out for your constituents; thanks for the knowing little hand wave as you passed me while ‘detained’ on the Black Spur. You put a smile on my sad little face.
Pina Garasi