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 Come 8.30am there were 5 riders and Elaine in her beaut ute at Ray’s place ready to go, the plan being the others would join us at Yarck or Mansfield, but where were Kay and Phillip? Phone calls were unanswered so at about 8.45 we headed off without them.
Ray led us around the “back way” through Wonga Park arriving at the Maroondah Hwy at Coldstream. At Healesville, Richard got his new “Bikecam” ready to video the ride up the Black Spur. Without any slow vehicles in front to hold us up the ride up the Spur was a wonderful experience. When Phillip White first gave the lights and sirens on his ex cop bike a burst I was looking around for the boys in blue We made the usual stop at Dom Dom Saddle when Phillip and Kay rode up, Kay explaining she had problems with her petrol tank cap again.
See the Gallery for photos. Click here for video action. Click here for Ray harrisons jokes.
Travelling through Narbethong to Buxton and beyond one is reminded of the enormity of the Black Saturday Fires and it is remarkable how you can now see homes in amongst the trees that were not visible previously. However it is also pleasing to see the amount of regrowth on the eucalypts and now doubt these houses will once again be hidden soon.
Morning tea stop was at Yarck (of course), where quite a few of the others were waiting, then on to Mansfield to purchase our snags for the barbie. On the way up the mountains to Tolmie the weather suddenly closed in and surprise it started raining. Arriving at Ray’s place, tarps were quickly erected to keep us dry. The BBQ salad lunch with just a little liquid refreshment was greatly appreciated by all. Riding down the mountain back to Mansfield required great care on the wet and slippery road, thankfully no problems arose.
A change of plans resulted in dinner at Mingos, where the food was good, the atmosphere good and the company even better. Most enjoyable.
Saturday night it rained and rained, so much so that next morning it was decided to cancel the ride to Whitfield and Milawa and head home via Yea. There were intermittent showers along the way but at Yea it was bucketing down. The rain just didn’t let up all the way back home. My wet weather gear was really tested and some elements of it failed dismally. Anyone know where I can get waterproof gloves and wet weather pants?
My profound thanks to Ray Harrison for the time and effort he put into this rally, thanks to Elaine for backup trailer duties (not used), and thanks to everyone for their friendship and great company. It’s a pity more people did not see fit to participate and enjoy this event and to get a wet arse like I did.
Graham Boulter
Participants
Ray Harrison 2002 Honda ST
Neal Videan & Nok 1949 HRD Vincent
Jack Youdan 2002 Triumph Sprint
Kay Di Clemente 1986 Honda
Phillip McArdle 1987 Honda Deauville
Alan & Val Smith 1986 BMW Outfit
Brian & Rose Shelton 1973 Ducati
Ross Patrick 2004 Kawasaki
Graham Boulter 2008 Triumph Bonneville
Burger Drake 1970 Triumph Tiger
Maurice Turner Yamaha Tmax
Phillip White !952 Indian
David Fitzgerald 1978 Ducati
Bill Garner 1971 Triumph Bonneville
John Lawerence 1978 Harley Davidson
Richard Haughton 2003 Moto Guzzi
Wally Walsh 1974 Kawasaki
Elaine Watson Beaut Ute & Backup Trailer |
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