Northern Region midweek ride report, 17 March

DESTINATION : KILMORE
With the Coronavirus causing havoc across the world it will therefore as time goes on make life more difficult for us all. To get this ride in is a blessing in the current climate, so we will take it and dream of this day for a while (who knows when the next classic club ride will be ! ).
As I approach our starting point I think to myself “I hope we get good numbers today”, then as I round the corner I see many bikes lined up with more flowing in (great). Sixteen riders attend for a great, enjoyable, wind in your face day travelling on the breeze and marveling at our beautiful countryside.
We hit the road soon after travelling through Whittlesea, Upper Plenty, Wallan and Darraweit Guim where our fearless ride leader STUFFS UP (oops) U turn needed. Heading back we turn at the correct road (bad luck there was no sign post to Romsey Road or Monegeetta). We are now back on track and soon we are entering the township of Riddells Creek for our morning tea stop. With many stories and yarns swapped within our group and an occasional burst of laughter, all shared over a hot cuppa, cold drink, hot pie or cake this is what a group ride is all about (Companionship). With extra fluid inside us we have to empty the other tank so our riding position has better comfort (that’s better). A quick head count, bodies on all bikes, no one left in the loo, we are off.
With the freight train of bikes rumbling behind me we leave Riddells Creek then travel through Kerrie, Hesket, Hanging Rock, Newham, Cobaw and Lancefield. There is a great feeling one has flowing along great country roads on a bike that you don’t get driving a car. The car drivers are missing out on the MAGIC we share through motorbike riding. It’s hard to explain what that feeling is, FOR US RIDING IS NOT AN ACTIVITY, IT’S A LIFESTYLE !
With Kilmore insight there has been no breakdowns with all bikes sounding and mechanically well as we prepare for our lunchtime stop at the bakery. I keep an eye on Keith McCraken as he lines up at the counter, he is looking for “the nectar of the gods in sweets” apple turnovers! He gets all excited and bounces on his heels when he spots one (just ask him) good onya Keithy.
With good times shared around and smiles on our faces our day is complete, it’s not long before we head home and bikes turn of in their different directions.
Thank you all for a great, enjoyable day and to my TEC Keith.
A great journey of approx. 195kms
Until next time stay upright Wally Walsh
NORTHERN REGION MIDWEEK RIDERS PARTICIPANTS LIST 17/3/20:
Rider | Bike | Year |
---|---|---|
John Mannu | Matchless G80 | 1950 |
Wally Walsh (Ride Leader) | Kawasaki Z1A 900 | 1974 |
Brian Marleback | BMW R65 | 1986 |
John Bes | BMW R80 | 1986 |
Kevin Bombardier | Kawasaki ZXR750 | 1989 |
Richard Sommerville | Honda CB750 | 1992 |
Keith McCraken (TEC) | Honda ST1300 | 2002 |
Richard Bulla | Harley 1600 | 2009 |
John Killingsworth | BMW R1200 GS | 2011 |
Richard Haughton | Kawasaki W800 | 2012 |
Len Barry | CF Moto 650 TR | 2015 |
David & Meg McLennan | Triumph Thruxton | 2016 |
Reg Hammond | Triumph Bonneville 100 | 2016 |
Peter Hansen | Triumph Street Twin | 2017 |
Colin Borthwick | Triumph T120 | 2017 |
Rob King | Triumph T100 | 2018 |