Street Triple - I want one too!!

I'm still smiling every time I remember little of bits of what it was like riding the Street Triple today!
Martin gave me a call and it was on for a quick burn this morning.
We met at Little River and took a burn up through Serendip and on to Anakie and the Brisbane Ranges.
The bike is awesome & just amazing to ride. Lots of grunt and sounds fantastic - nothing like I'd expected.
Going from the Sprint it felt lots smaller and lighter - just a fun bike with heaps of character.
Martin couldn't wait to get it into those twisties through the Brisbane Ranges and it was all he expected and more - now we both want one!
If you get a chance take one for a burn - I'm sure you'll have a ball - like we did - check out the video!

Rawson week-end - 8th & 9th December 07

I can't believe a week has passed since the trip to Rawson! This time last week we were riding in a head wind back to Geelong and trying to catch an Indian bloke at a servo that had just rammed a couple's car in the carpark and taken off... there's always a tale or two to tell after these trips!
Well, it was great to see everyone turn out for the weekend trip. For me there were no new faces except for Warren from Peter Stevens on a Bonnie with partner Sonya. One face was missed by us all - Murray, get well soon!
The first stage of the trip was to meet Mal & Cheryl & Bacchus Marsh and then it was on to Kilmore for a brief stop and a stretch. Next was the fun part - Onward towards Yea via Flowerdale!
It was awesome and everyone loosened up & made the most of that fantastic road that goes from Broadford via Strath Creek and Flowerdale to Yea. There were smiles all around when we got to Yea and it was a quick stop and refuel before heading on towards Marysville.
The plan was to stop again for lunch but the enthusiasm took over and we didn't quite seem to find that lunch spot! At Marysville I was thinking about how good it would be to park up and stay the night as I knew there was a long way to go and on the Reefton Spur!
Feeling knackered we hit the spur and some people came to life - I still reckon that anyone enjoying the Reefton Spur going downhill is a psycho!
We all made it in one piece so time to regroup at the Reefton Pub for refreshments. We were all fairly knackered as we trying to get motivated in the heat & flies to get going. Along the way a lyrebird almost became a dead bird when Martin came across it on one of those forest roads - I don't know what Paul had to drink - he thought it was a kangaroo!
We were all glad to reach Rawson and it was into a few refreshing beers and dinner was served - with Cheryl eagerly at the front of the queue.
It was a great night catching up and Paul's luck wasn't in!
Next morning it was an early start after breakfast - the local store owner wasn't happy when we all pulled up for fuel at the same time! The ride back was almost the same way as we'd been the day before but this time via Healesville where we stoped for lunch. Earlier, Janine had a close encounter with a dog in the main street of Powelltown on the way back to Yarra Junction - all was well & the dog will remember never to attack a bonnie again!
After lunch we decided that the next stop would be Diamond Creek - but, with me at the front anything can happen and it did! I ended up going around Diamond Creek instead of taking the turning to Wattle Glen and going through it - so the guys at the back were waiting for us while we were already on the Princes Freeway!
Then an Indian bloke in an old tattered Ford Falcon nearly reversed over Vicki and then bashed into a Holden Commodore as he was reversing - then he put the car into drive and rammed the Holden with Warren chasing after him - the guy was crazy & the police were told but didn't show up - hope they got him in the end.
Anyway, great week-end but a long trip & it took me a week to recover - but maybe that's old age!

Bikes by the Bay & Rawson

BIKES BY THE BAY - Sunday 25th November
It was a good day in Williamstown a couple of Sundays ago for the Bikes by the Bay rally.
The event is organised by the Williamstown Motorcycle Club and attracts everything from the latest & flashiest to the oldest and grubbiest!
There were a few bikes there that drew the attentions of the crowd, such as the Triumph chopper that had been built from the ground up and looked awesome - we weren't sure how it would get over a bump but it looked good and was a credit to its owner.
Then there was the Triumph Daytona with the nickel plated frame, wheels, swinging arm & the list goes on...
The Hells Angels even had a marquee selling t-shirts with "Support your local bandit" splashed across the front!

They had a few sand dragsters there that looked mean with huge car engines balanced in the frame and nitro bottles hanging of the sides.
For those of us that started bike riding in the late 70s there was plenty of nostalgia with Z650, Z900, GS1000, GT750 (water bucket), Z500 (triple), 400 Four, 750 Four and the list goes on!
Then we came across these two Ducati 1098S with the custom tri-colour paint job - they looked even better in the flesh than in the magazines. Best part was they belonged to a a couple - husband & wife - one each!! Now that's living...
It was a good day out and all 6 of us had lunch together in a little cafe before calling it a day and heading home.

RAWSON - SUNDAY 8th DECEMBER
Remember - the trip to Rawson is on this week-end. I didn't get to the Wharfshed last Thursday night but spoke to Pete tonight on the phone and its an 8am sharp departure from the Wharfshed on Saturday morning - see you there.

Events coming up

BIKES BY THE BAY
Pete sent me an e-mail last week about the Bikes by the Bay event that's run by the Williamstown Motorcycle Club. It's a big event and all sorts of bikes on display, an auction and live entertainment - an it's all for charity. Sounds too good to miss!
Anyway, the event is on Sunday 25th November 2007 and kicks off at 10am on the Commonwealth Reserve at Williamstown - more information is available on the Williamstown Motorcycle Club website.

Meet at the Wharfshed at 9am for 9:15am departure - or meet you there.

RAWSON
Sounds like there's a bit of excitement in the air about the trip to Rawson in a couple of weeks time. It's a week-end away and if you haven't booked accommodation you'd need to do it soon.
Details on departure times and route should be available soon. The trip is on 8/9 December 07.

**By the way if anyone has a room to share can you please let me know.

Happy Birthday Pete!

The Lord of the Isles pub was buzzing on Saturday night and it wasn't the Geelong Cats that were causing a stir this time - it was the Geelong Rats!
A surprise was waiting for Pete as he walked in the door expecting a quiet tea with 5 of us... instead there was 14 of us eagerly waiting to have dinner with him to celebrate his 50th Birthday.
It was a great night with plenty to eat and a lush chocolate birthday cake to top it all off. Unfortunately, the pole dancers didn't show up - well thats what we thought they meant when they said there was a surprise at the end for Pete!!

Pete had mentioned earlier a ride down to Lorne and Deans Marsh would be good on Sunday morning meeting at 8am in Torquay - word quickly spread and it didn't take long before there was a group of us meeting on Sunday morning !
Sunday morning came and it was beautiful. We all met as planned at Macdonald's in Torquay and had the usual friendly unmarked cop car playing with his radar on the way into town!
Leigh rocked up on the new Sprint and it was looking swish!
The ride along the Great Ocean Road was beautiful and the scenery awesome as usual - it was good of the Geelong Addy to get the speed limit reduced to 80 - ideal for admiring the beautiful views...
It was a steady pace along the ocean road with our radars spinning for the revenue collectors - then we turned off onto the Deans Marsh Road for a burn up through the Otways to Deans Marsh... a great ride was had by all - we were all smiling when we pulled up in Deans Marsh!
It was great to see Ollie and Ben there at Martians when we arrived and then Martin, Steve and Wayne pulled up - we all had plenty to talk about and the brekkie was great as usual.
Sounds like Ollie's gonna have a good time next week - he's off to Tassie with Steve, Andy & a few of the others.
The next big RAT week-end is Rawson on 8/9 December and it sounds like everyone is getting booked in. The monthly meeting is on this Thursday night 25th Oct at the Wharfshed so details of the week-end trip will probably be discussed then. A few people are also interested in a trip to Bright after Xmas so put your hand up if you're interested in that one too...
Till the next time...

Ride Day Sunday 7th Oct 07

Well, after a few months of not getting to any ride days I thought it was about time I get of my arse & get out on the bike. So, I got up on Sunday morning and encouraged by the beautiful morning I headed in to meet up with everyone & catch up.
I arrived about 9:15 outside the shop and was the first one there. Then 9:30 and I was still the first one there. When it got to 9:45 I realised it wasn't going to be a big ride! Anyway, it was a good burn down to Torquay for breakkie & back by lunchtime - beautiful morning! Looks like everyone was at home watching Bathurst! Hope to catch up with you all soon.

MotoGP Practice
There's a few of us heading down to the island on Saturday 13th Oct for the MotoGP Practice. I think the idea is to meet at 7:00am at the Corio Roadhouse and leave about 7:15

Rawson
I spoke to Pete on the week-end and he also mentioned the Rawson trip on 8th & 9th December. You'll need to book soon as places are limited in accommodation. Person to contact is Fiona on 03 5165 3200

Next Ride Day this Sunday 12th Aug

Just a reminder that this Sunday, 12th Aug, is the monthly ride day - the new departure point for the rides is the Peter Stevens shop in Mercer Street - I think 9am is the time to get there - not sure of destination.

Also, just got sent this from a mate - really worth watching!

TRIUMPH ROCKET III - 21ST CENTURY MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURE

The cold weather is slowly disappearing!

Just looked out the window of the office and those blue skies are looking good - maybe I should have a sickie for the afternoon & ride off down to Lavers Hill - now wouldn't that be good!
I've just been reading the report published by the UK magazine MCN on the new Street Triple - very impressive and some great photos of Kevin Carmichael testing it to the limit... have a look and see what you think!
The line up looks good with colours to match its big brother the Speed Triple.

Another great additional is the matt black Speed Triple - a bike with real attitude that one...

I just looked at the calendar and realised the meeting is on this Thursday night 26th July - its the first one at the Peter Stevens shop - good chance to have a look around and add to the shopping list.

An unfortunate incident for Mark on the Speedmaster last week-end - riding along Mercer St when the pizza delivery boy from Pizzaland pulled out of the side street without looking - knocked Anne & him off the bike and to top it off he drove on and delivered his pizza - dickhead! Anyway, they're both okay and the bike came off with some minor damage - those Speedmasters are unbelievably tough.

Also heard from PJ a few weeks ago - he's moving to Melton soon and can't wait to come on a few rides with the Geelong group. He'd just got back from a Ulysses trip up north & had a great time.

If you've accessed the TriumphRAT website recently you'll have noticed that its been refurbished and is now looking quite swish - it would have been a big job and they are still updating some of the links. So, the photo album is currently unavailable until the conversion to the new site is finished. The existng link on the menu bar will take you to the TriumphRAT main web site.

Anyway, hope to catch up with some of you on Thursday night.

At last I get to update the blog...

Well, it’s been a crazy time lately and the blog has sat quietly without any updates! So, now that I’ve got a minute or two I thought it would be good to add all the stuff I should have added weeks ago…

The biggest change for all has been the realignment of the RAT group with Peter Stevens – if you need more info go to the Peter Stevens website or go into the Geelong store and see Mick or Warren. The calendar is now posted on the Peter Stevens website under RAT Downloads - you can download & print a copy. I’ve also put a link in the menu on the blog. http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au/ratdownloads.html

The last ride I took part in was the Sunday June 10th when we rode over to Deans Marsh & then continued on to Birregurra for lunch.

It was a cold morning and when we got out to Moriac the fog was so thick it was hard to see even the bike in front – great to have a good memory of the road on days like that!
It was a great morning ride and good to have a few of the girls back riding with the group again to keep the boys in line!
A couple of weeks later I popped out on the bike and stopped at the Wharfshed for a coffee – who should pop in but Bruce – our most famous RAT Leader!

He’s looking fit & well and we exchanged a few memories of that time we had down in Tassie a few years ago. Hopefully, he’ll get to some of the meetings in the future.

The NSW Triumph Rally in Port Macquarie is on 10th – 13th August 07 – for anyone that’s interested in going get details from the Triumph Australia website or contact the organiser Pete Reagan on 0402 254 203.

The next meeting is at the Peter Stevens shop on Thursday July 26 – see you there.

By the way - do you recognise the tough guy on the Harley!!!

Grampians Trip - Great Week-end!

Well it was great to see the weather forecast predicting a sunny week-end for the annual trip to the Grampians National Park. It was blue skies when we all rocked up at the Wharfshed on Saturday morning and everyone was looking forward to a great ride and overnight stay at the Halls Gap Caravan Park.

A total of 13 RATs had booked in for the event whcih is becoming a regular event on the calendar - maybe next time we should make it a bit longer and have 2 nights though as its tough getting up for work on Monday morning after covering 650kms in 2 days - especially on that Shellford - Skipton Road! On the way, that road was a nightmare as we were riding into strong wind that was either full-frontal or coming across at a 60 degree angle - it felt like my head was in a clamp at times!

We reached Skipton and it was a quick stop in the service station to regroup and warm up with a quick coffee. We decided to take the route via Avoca - Leighs favorite place!

There's a pie shop there called Pyrenees Pies that has a big sign saying they have everything from Possum & Beef to Crocadile Pies - being a veggie I wasn't that bothered when they had a simple selection of the usual run of the mill and not a bad veggie pastie. Some of the other thought the other cafe just a couple of doors away was good too.

Anyway, it was on to Halls Gap via Ararat. It was about 3pm when we got glimpse of the amazing mountain backdrop that surrounds Halls Gap - what a beautiful place it is - especially at this time of year when visitor numbers are low and the winter sun casts those beautiful shadows over the mountain peaks that straddle the village.

Everyone quickly found their cabins and got the heater going - it was starting to get a bit cold and with no clouds in sight it was gonna be a chilly night.

A few of us headed out on a resturaunt finding exhibition - we wanted to find somewhere different than the pub this time where we could walk instead of getting taxis. After a few enquiries we came across the Mountain Deer - we were more than welcome and plenty of room for us all. It was a good night and food wasn't bad either - lots of garlic bread ordered by Pete - enough to feed an army! We gave them a nightmare when it came to paying...

Next morning was an early rise and breakfast at 9am at the usual little cafe spot in Halls Gap - some had to hang on to their sausages - the kookaburras love to kill a sausage or tow and aren't frightened to take it form your plate!

After breakie we regrouped and Janey tried out the riding position on Judy's CBR600F4i - yeah it's a Honda but it looks great - I think Janey's found her next bike - that's until she sees the new Street Triple due later this year!

The girls rode on to Dunkeld while the rest of use took a quick burn over to Zumstein up over that twisting road that cuts up through the mountain. A quick stop and back down the mountain to Halls Gap and onward towards Dunkeld - its a great road and its hard to keep your eyes of the spectacular scenary.

The pub in Dunkeld has a welcoming open fire and we all rested & had lunch - with dreaded thoughts of the boring road ahead on everyones mind. As we left Dunkeld we were getting flashing lights from oncoming cars telling us there was a speed camera ahead - sure enough there he was - a Bracks revenue collector in the middle of nowhere - what a farse - as if this was a dangerous black spot - just an easy place to collect money!

We are all cruising comfortably and there were a few old classic cars on the road doing the Great Ocean Road Escape run for charity. I had just passed one when I saw it... the white commodore with blue & red lights on the roof approaching from behind - he's passed 3-4 of the bikes behind me and then pulled in in front of me & told me to pull over! Out of all the bikes he picks me... I couldn't believe it - but then again I was easy to spot as I was the only only one with a pillion!

He accused me of speeding and told me I was doing 122km/hr - impossible I said... there'sd was no way I could remember getting up to that speed and on top of that the Sprint is shows 5km/hr less on the speedo and the radar has a tolerance of 3km/hr which would have made my speed around 130 km/hr - no way! I told him I would dispute it... he was a tough nut - the sort that you agree with even when you know he's wrong - he showed me the radar and gave me a talk on why motorcyclist riding in groups shouldn't think they are safe from the mighty radar... I thanked the good officer for his advice and he said the magic words - Take this as a Caution"... it could have been a longer ride home thinking about that fine! The worst thing was my back tyre was on its last legs - so first thing Monday it went into Road & River for a new one...

We regrouped at Skipton & I shared my story of my encounter with the law - gave everyone the news on the mighty radar pinging everyone and then it was on to Geelong via the worst, boring road I have ever ridden to Shelford and then on to Geelong via the Hamilton Hwy.

It was a great week-end and too many laughs to mention - looking forward to doing it all again next year - without meeting Sgt Tacklebury!

Update & latest news

GRAMPIANS WEEK-END
Don't forget the Grampians trip is coming up this week-end - 26/27 May. If you haven't booked already then you'd need to get in quick as places were limited to about 10 people when I rang them a couple of weeks ago.

Tell them you're with the Geelong Triumph group when you call as they're trying to keep us all close together.
There's a few sharing so it might pay to do a ring around before you book if you're planning to go alone - unless you want the place to yourself. Departure place is the usual spot - the Wharfshed Cafe around 9:30am.
I've heard the weather is going to be good so it should be a good ride up there but cold at night. I was in Halls Gap a couple of weeks ago and it was beautiful - should be a great week-end.

DEMO DAY @ Peter Stevens - Saturday 12 May 2007
For some of you lucky sods there was a demo day at Peter Stevens a couple of week-ends ago. Unfortunately I couldn't make it for the ride I'd booked on the Speed Triple but I heard it was a great day. Malcolm took out a few bikes and provides the following story:

One mans view,

The Rocket was out first and although I must admit I was pretty apprehensive at first, finally got used to it but that said it is a huge beast of a bike, with a riding style I am not used to.I did not feel too comfortable with the massive wide bars and forward foot pegs and controls. Concentration in the traffic was at its maximum as I felt like I was 10ft wide. Not my style.

Next was the Speed master and although the riding position was not dissimilar the weight and shear mass was easier to deal with. It maybe down on power but I felt it has adequate for what it is and the type of riding one would do on this bike. I liked it but I would have to get it breathing a bit better and let a few more horses out.Seat left a bit to be desired as I got a sore tailbone after a while.

Tiger was my choice for the day, it has balls, it has comfort, it has great handling ability, snappy easy to handle, torque and gearing are well balanced and with a good riding posture. If I was thinking of touring that is what I would choose to do it on. I felt as though I could ride it all day. It is a great motorcycle to ride and is versatile at the higher speeds as well as the lower speeds, very smooth.

Thruxton, hmm a fun bike and nice and light to handle with plenty of power for the size. I think this bike took the horses from the Speed master as it certainly pulls a lot harder. At no stage did the bike do anything odd as I put it through the corners, it stayed on the same line even over the bumps. I was impressed.

May 2007 - Ride Day

The May ride took place last Sunday and while some of the Geelong Triumph group decided to go with the Triumph Owners Group to a rally in Melbourne, there were 5 bikes that rocked up for a ride to Hepburn Springs for lunch.
Pete & Leone were out on the new Sprint RS that recently replaced Kermit the Speed Four. As usual it was a beautiful ride out through the Brisbane Ranges with Muz & Mick setting a quick pace (just got back from track days on the island!).
First stop was the bakery for quick refreshments. Funny thing was, we just got off the bikes when a police car pulled up & out jumps the cop. Immediately we waited for the big question "What speed were you doing back there?" Instead it was "Do any of you guys know Shrek?" Well, he turned out to be a great bloke (for a cop) and I'd even be tempted to live in Ballan now... Turned out Shrek was a biker he'd saw stopped on the side of the road and when he stopped to ask him if he was okay he said he'd lost his mates! As the cop got back into the car he shouted back - So watch out for Shrek - and by the way, he's not green!!

Then on to Daylesford and the pub at Hepburn Springs - it still has a Triumph sticker in the window from when it had its connections with Triumph Australia! The food was great and Cheryl caught up with the gang and brought her Mum along to tell us about her early experiences on a motor bike. The Legacy group were having a function in the pub and there were a few questions from the old blokes as they reminised on the days of riding Triumphs.
As we waited for everyone to regroup in Dalesford, we just happened to stop by a big group of HOGs! Well, Mal & Pete just managed to slip out in front of them but for the rest of us we ended up at the back of a bunch of Harleys - going slow just to piss us off!! That road through Blackwood to Ballan is dodgy as it's fast but bumpy & a good place to test your bike for tank slapping!
A quick stop in Ballan and then it was on to Geelong and home. It was a great day out and enjoyed by everyone.

Next week-end is the Grampians on 26th May and everyone is looking forward to the trip and week-end away.

Triumph night at Peter Stevens on Tuesday 8th May - might see you there.

Quick Update - May 07

Where have all the RATs gone?

Well, I must say its been the quietest time I can remember in the Geelong Triumph Group since I started riding with them 5 years ago. Over the past couple of months the ride days have reduced in size to just a handful of riders and when I pulled up at last nights meeting to join the other two bikes it made me wonder - is the Geelong Triumph Group a distant memory! So where have all the RATs gone is the big question everyone asks... maybe it's just a busy time or maybe its colder - maybe the group has ran its course and has become just another routine in peoples lives!

So how can we make it more interesting? Well, new members would help - haven't seen many of those lately, maybe a guest speaker at the meetings to talk about tyres, suspension or maybe the occasional meeting with the Melbourne group etc.

If you've got ideas add them to the link on the blog so that we can get it happening.

For me personally, riding with the group over the past 5 years has been invigorating & I have made some very lasting friendships with some great people. The memories of Tassie, the week-end trips and the ride days will be with me forever. I hope it keeps on going for many more years to come...

Triumph Australia - Product Night & Demo Day

Triumph Australia have just mailed out a flyer announcing a Triumph Product review night on Tuesday 8th May @ 6:30pm. They are also organising a Demo Day on 12th May witha free t-shirt for all that rock up. Maybe now's the time to discuss the future of RAT in Geelong with the Triumph Australia team - give Craig or Mick a call before 3rd May at Peter Stevens if you want to attend.

Grampians Week-End
The Grampians Week-End is still on and takes place on the Sat/Sun 26th & 27th May 07. Plan is to stay in cabins in the Halls Gap Caravan Park - details to follow.

May 07 Ride Day
The May 07 ride day is on Sunday 6th May 07 - some of you that went to Newstead know that there's been a recent renewed interest in the Triumph Owners Group in Geelong and some of them actually rode with the Geelong RAT Group to Newstead. Well, there's two options on the 6th May! The Triumph Owners Group have a ride to a place called Baylis near Cranbourne to a rally leaving the Little River BP at 8:45am.

The regular RAT ride is still on as well so meet at the Wharfshed @ 8:30am for a 9am start.

Ride Day - April 07

I didn't get a chance to mention the April 07 ride day - time got the better of me...

It was an awesome ride to Lavers Hill and then back through Apollo Bay and through the Otways back to Forrest & Deans Marsh. Lots of gravel on the road out of Apollo Bay and up through the Otways had us thaking it easy. It was the last ride for Jay for a while as he's heading up to the border to take on a new teaching post as the school principal.

The weather was beautiful and then roads perfect - there were 4 of us that rode on from Birregurra to Lavers Hill and down into Apollo Bay for lunch.

The bit that sticks in my mind is the Harley rider on that stretch from Lavers Hill along the river valley that was in the middle of the road and had traffic banked up behind him - including a tractor!! He didn't hold us up but was a danger to anyone near him as he weaved out to the centre as we shot past!! Apart from the gravel the day was full of fun - its always a pleasure to ride those roads.

Latest Superbike candidates!

In case you haven't heard we have two potential superbike candidates in our midst!! Muz & Mick were on the track on Anzac Day on their new track bikes and I heard they were setting some hot lap times!! Look forward to seeing them on their new mounts on the track - look out Troy!

Blog Future Improvements

I'm thinking about making the blog more interesting too - maybe a few stories about individuals, a rider of the month feature, link to a separate page with all the rides, holiday ideas, breakfast stops - will need heaps of help so any volunteers that are keen computer buffs welcome!

All British Rally - 21st - 22nd April 07

Well it's that time again when the All British Rally takes place in Newstead. It's a great week-end and if you haven't already registered then you can pay at the gate - $35 entry fee. It's a great place to see the best of British - both new and old.

If you're on a British bike then you can ride your bike into the campsite - keep it beside you in the tent if you want - otherwise your bike has to stay outside the camp perimeter.

There's a bar, food and usually a live band so makes for a great week-end.

A group are leaving Geelong on Saturday morning - meeting at the Wharfshed at 8am. There may be a possibility that a ute will be going and you can throw your gear in the back - get in touch with Leigh for details.

Might see you there...


Also, heard there's a naked 675 on the way on July 07 - here's a preview of what it looks like... just added it to the wishlist!!

April Ride Day Change!

The April Ride Day is listed on the calendar as Sunday 8th April 07 - but that happens to be Easter Sunday.

So, at the Wharfshed meeting on Thursday night everyone agreed that the ride day should be changed to this Sunday 1st April 07 - and we're not doing it because it's April Fools Day!! Meet at the Wharfshed at 9am onwards - leaving at 9:30am.

So, if you're interested in a burn down the road on Sunday - see you there.

Marysville Week-end 10-12 March 07

Well where do I start... it was another great week-end away and even better that it was a long one with the public holiday on Monday. It was probably the smallest group that I'd seen yet for a week-end trip but even if it was only me going I'd still have had a great time. It was great to see PJ rock up at the Wharfshed to come on the ride with us to Marysville - especially since he lives in Healesville and rode all the way to Geelong in the morning to ride back with us!
The plan was to ride to Gisbourne for our first stop, then to Yea for lunch and on to Marysville where we'd meet Rod & Shirley. The ride via Staughton Vale was a bit rough at times and on one lefthander the Sprint felt more like a pogo stick! There was a quick stop in Gisbourne for a cold drink as the temperature was beginning to rise & a few pieces of clothing got removed.
It was a casual ride from Gisbourne to Broadford and then the road was fun as it wound its way through Strath Creek, then along King Parrot Creek Road & on to the main road to Yea. PJ looked like he was loving it on the Daytona 600!
We had a huge lunch in the Yea pub at a reasonable price & the barman told us to be careful as the police have a task force in the area riding sports bikes - he told tales of licenses getting suspended!
We pushed on to Marysville where we met Rod & Shirley - they'd been off playing golf - clubs strapped to their bikes! Shirley had won the ladies competition - well done Shirl!
On Saturday night we headed for the pub for tea and everyone had a hearty feed - Shirley shared stories of the local wombat that had horns and a bushy tail - called a gunni apparently.
It got us all wondering and someone made the suggestion we get our gear on, mount up and ride to Stevensons Falls in search of the gunni! Riding at 40km/hr in pitch black, watching for furry animals we eventually made it to the falls car-park enveloped in blackness.
Luckily Leigh had a torch - he has everything in the back-pack!
The stars were unbelievable out there and there was the frequent sigh as a shooting star or a satellite passed overhead! Down to the falls we trekked behind Leigh, but not a gunni did we find - plenty of bats though!

Next day it was down for breakkie at the local cafe & watch all the bikes arrive from the city - poor buggers, they had to go home again!
The local market got some of our money when it convinced Leigh & Murray they needed new work socks and the girls needed new earrings!
We rode down the Reefton Spur to a spot that Leigh had been told held significant historical value - the big culvert and Victorias biggest tree - we found the culvert okay - but think the tree must have been chopped down! We stood inside the culvert - like Rats up a drainpipe comes to mind...
Once we got to the bottom of the Reefton Spur we decided to ride back up it - it was crazy - too much traffic & no where to pass. Next we rode down the black spur to Healesville - much better road with wider corners & plenty of run off - very enjoyable motorbike country.
There were lots of idiots around and the biggest two shot passed us on the black spur on a blind corner leaving a smoke haze - one on a BSA and the other on an original Trident - I laughed to myself when I saw him taking corners on the Trident like he was on a GP bike!
Back up the Black Spur and it was time to lock the bikes up & retire to the pub for a few refreshments.

We tried a few resturaunts and it was getting desparate when we went to Faggi or Franger as Leigh called it. Fantastic little resturaunt and even better when a few musicians got out their instruments and played a few celtic tunes - music to our ears!
Next morning Leigh had his muffins & jam as usual (using the butter he got Janey to pinch from the pub!) and then we set off for the journey home - it was sad to leave it all behind - anyway, great week-end with great company - look forward to May 07 Grampians trip - Halls Gap look out!