RIDE REPORTAfter a nice sleep in and a leisurely brekkie I loaded the car and put the bike onto the trailer and headed off to the meeting point. By the end of the street I remembered I had forgotten my wallet so turned around and went back home to get it.
A short easy run out along the Calder Hwy and got to the meeting point bang on 11:30 to see a group of people chatting by bikes on trailers. After some introductions and a bit more chat the time came to head off. Matt was running a bit late and managed to catch us on the highway as we headed up in convoy.
Taking the turn off the highway something didn't feel quite right. Yep, wrong exit. Instilling confidence in the ride leader I demonstrated a U-turn with trailer on and everyone followed suit.
Finally got to the right exit and a short while later reached the Cobaw car park where David was waiting for us.
Soon bikes were unloaded, gear was on and after a short rider briefing we were ready to head off. Down the track we went, finding the conditions were spot on with damp tracks providing great grip. Posting a cornerman I headed off down the next track only to find it stopped at a fence shortly after. Another U-turn and my reputation was left there in tatters.
We soon reached a dual track section that had a testing little rocky section with a nicely graded new track beside it. Stopping at the top we spent some time with people riding first down and then back up, with the option of taking the easier way up if needed.
Some quality Kodak moments, then I thought time for me to have a go. After a great display going down I made a real mess of it coming back up, or rather I demonstrated why they should all appreciate the button start they have that I don't. Lucky I had already disposed of my reputation earlier in the day.
After this Julian and I swapped bikes so he could try the WR, while I rode his DRZ250. I think both of us were impressed by the capabilities of the respective bikes. A short distance later we reached another little challenge, which we all got up with varying degrees of assistance and flair.
We then headed off to Reilly's track, and the nice loops out the back of that. The loop was so much fun that we decided to go around again before continuing on.
Eventually we found our way onto Soil Pit Track, which has one of the longer climbs in Cobaw. The final top section proving a challenge for most and much entertainment. Honourable mentions here to Julian and John for the synchronised stop on the hill and to Bob for imploring his DT to "don't stop now", which it listened to.
A short ride back and we got to the carpark about 4:15. A few needed to start heading home, with the rest keen to ride on for one more short loop. Off we went for a quick blast getting back about a half hour later, just as a few spots of rain started.
Thanks to all who came, great riding and a great time. See you on the next one.
Mat R.
