Dams Ride                   Sunday 14th August 2005

 

Suzuki GSXR1000K                  Lyn Duncan                              Honda CBR929             Ben Warden

Suzuki GSXR1000K                  Michael Albanese                      Yamaha R6                  Joel Haley

Homda CBR1000                      Paul Southwell (lead)                 Honda CBR929             Breht Emmerson

Yamaha TRX850                      Tony Raditsis                            Honda CBR929             Ian Payne

Kawasaki ZX6                          Damian Czarnecki                     Honda VTR1000           Bill Wee (rear) 

MV Augusta 750 SPR               Dave Ward                               Honda CBR1100           Peter Feistl

 

At last! A free weekend, with no kids to look after, no girlfriends to pander to, forecast good weather and an opportunity to just be a bloke. And what does a guy do on a free weekend? Go for a ride on his SuperBlackbird with his mates – of course! But before we get to the fun part,  a bit of preparation is required.

 

The last ride ended up with some bitter-sweet memories – a late start - a badly balding rear tyre – discovery of the Nitto tape tyre patch - upset girlfriend – being laughed at by the ex – words from the Committee about setting a good example etc.

 

So, Saturday it was off to the ‘Treads and Things’ in Ringwood and a chat with Laurie, while he fitted my pre-loved ‘Michelin Road’ rubber. These were originally on the bike when purchased, some 20,000 kilometres ago, and as the budget didn’t allow for new tyres, would have to do.

 

To my surprise, the ride home – via some long and winding roads – felt pretty good and the bike no longer had the tendency to ‘tip in’ when cornering slowly. The bike felt much more rideable. The 195’s seemed to work better than the 185’s but Sunday’s ride would sort that out. A final check of the bike and all was well.

 

The next morning was all systems go, and I was determined to be at Berwick on time and make the most of the day. The quickest route was via the freeway and glancing down at the bike’s clock, I was running late again. Fortunately for me, a four wheeled dude flew past me like I was still in second gear, so I followed closely behind and made it to Berwick in time. There were only a few guys there when I arrived and Ben and Lyn were missing. I checked my wristwatch and it was only 9:50am. The bike’s clock was fast by 10 minutes! Finally, all 12 riders arrived. Paul Southwell told us we were doing a special ride, not to the Dams, but we were headed to Noojee. Bill Wee was nominated rear rider for the day.

 

With tanks full of fuel we headed to Longwarry, Labertouche, Neerim South, then south via Crossover sweepers and straight stuff to Trafalgar, then north to Hill End. Paul ‘allegedly’ got lost and added 37 km of boring straight stuff before reaching Noojee for first stop after something like 2 hours and 175 km. Some might have thought this was too far for the first stop but the Highway stretch was easy and a chance to relax a little.

 

After the break we headed along lots of great twisty roads that were fantastic fun, before arriving at Warburton for lunch. A freak gust of wind while at the Bakery saw helmets and gloves blowing down the street and some furrowed brows.  Ian Payne and Dave Ward left for home and although Bill had decided to do the same, he ended up following us over Reefton through snow covered roads for the trip of his life.

 

Driving through snow is an adventure – I was tempted to spin the rear via some aggressive throttle work. What’s the worse that could happen – fall off into some soft snow? I stuck to the safe and sound approach and kept it upright. Mind you. I passed everyone and nearly flew by Paul who was leading.

 

We finally rediscovered the black stuff and blasted down to Marysville. I was trying to keep up with Joel, then Brett, but was having trouble seeing as the cold wind kept making my eyes water. No vision into fast corners is not recommended!!!

 

From Marysville, we rode the Spur and encountered many a four-wheel drive acting as mobile chicanes. It was all a bit of fun. We regrouped at Healesville and the four-wheelers drove past, some honking their horns. I think they were impressed at our riding skills and were keen to offer their appreciation! We eventually rode off into the sunset and I tagged along behind Ben and Lyn as they headed in the Diamond Creek direction on their way home. I was having a ball on the bike and the 195’s were a delight to ride, so why not join them for an 80 km detour!

 

So at the end of the day, the ride was excellent. Thanks Paul for your selection of twisty road and straight bits – with no incidents and the experience of riding in the snow! Everyone was pretty buzzed up and that is what riding with the club should be about….

                                   Peter Feistl (Red SuperBlackBird)