Euroa Sunday 3rd
April 2011
|
Ron
Johnston (rear) |
Honda
CBF1000 |
Rick
Van |
Yamaha
YZF600 |
|
Ern
Reeders (lead) |
Honda
CBR954 |
Raman
Biaroza |
Kawasaki
GPx250 |
|
John
Lirossi (1st ride) |
Honda
VFR800 |
Andrew
Stansbury |
Suzuki
GSXR600 |
Some
management guru once said that on their deathbed very few people wish that
they'd spent more time in the office. This kind of day confirmed that
observation.
We
welcomed two new riders, John and Andrew, who quickly got the gist of our ride
routine and demonstrated some spirited fanging.
Raman
did a fine job of punting the pint-size Kwacka to match the pace.
From
Yarra Glen, under lowering clouds and a little Scotch mist, we crossed to Chum
Creek Road which was a tippy-toe affair with plenty of damp patches. The Fireblade stepped out on one and I had to
rein in the pace. We continued through
Toolangi back to the Melba Highway, then up through Glenburn to a detour via
the Murrindindi Road. Back on the Melba
to Yea, the sun broke through the clouds and we continued to Molesworth for the
back road to Alexandra. An opportunity
for some dynamic decoking.
Morning
tea was in downtown Alexandra as the cafe by the creek is now closed.
Then
sedately up the Maroondah Highway to Merton and finally we could let her rip
through the Merton twisties. Clean roads, bright sun, and a chance to use some
bike body language. Turn off to
Strathbogie via the particular road surfaces the 'bogie shire specialises in
and then down off the central highlands to Euroa for lunch.
Change
of route then decided on because of the cold and damp in the forests; up to
Violet Town and Harrys Creek Road, which continued the 'bogie speciality with
some short stretches of fresh bitumen under plenty of loose gravel. Back through Strathbogie and a second shot at
the Merton twisties going the other way.
Tootle down the highway, one thirsty bike topped up in Yea and a final
spirited thrust up and off Junction Hill.
Kinglake West was the finish point; darn cold but that didn't prevent
some discussion of Andrew's problem with his front end. Light and twitchy exiting the bends. Plenty of advice tendered.
I
got home with two aching hands and a grin on my face, resolved again to spend
less time in the office!
Many
thanks to Ronnie for rear riding.
Ern Reeders