REEFTON - Sunday 28th June 

They say a good ride starts with good planning, and when Ron Olsson leads a ride you can bet it is well planned. That's how it was today as 8 intrepid members comprising Leader Ron, Peter B, Rex, Gerard, Bob R, Gary H, Wolfy and Tailend Charlie - Trevor.

Bob had new tyres and a lot of new "bits" on his BM, along with a tune up and service. Trevor likewise with bits and pieces , tune-up and service. Gary's bike was actually running ok for a change thanks to a new battery. The rest (mostly Hondas) were their usual reliable excellent as ever....!!!!

We departed Baxter at 9-45 in a cool 7 degrees, having waited patiently for the thick fog to clear a bit. However as we headed through Pearcedale on towards Five Ways the fog seemed to thicken and the temperature dropped to a very chilly 5 degrees. We proceeded cautiously in the pea-soup towards Cardinia and then on to Upper Pakenham, only to find ourselves in clear bright sunshine and the temp steadily climbing to 11 degrees. Cockatoo was our designated Morning Tea break, where our Ride Leader had chosen a delightful Coffee Shop/Breakfast Bar/Cafe, with excellent hosts and staff.

Bob, Gary and Wolfy, having left home on empty tummies, all selected a hearty breakfast, while the rest of us sat back and enjoyed hot coffees in the ambience of this cosy venue. Healthy conversation flowed freely, and our break extended to almost an hour as we all enjoyed each others company, conversation and camaraderie.

Ron soon had us all back in harness up through Woori Yallock, Yarra Junction, Launching Place, and Warburton with road surface and air temperature improving all the time. The twisty roads had everyone enjoying the ride, particularly as we climbed up the mountains towards our lunchtime destination of the REEFTON PUB. Now under new ownership, the pub menu proved very popular with all as sat out back in the sun. Tasty meals, soft drinks and more enthusiastic discussion on all manner of worldly issues had everyone ready for the return journey.

Ron lead us back through Warburton, then a different and "real riders" route back through the Dandenongs had everyone really enjoying the best possible riding conditions, dry roads (mostly), sunshine and no wind. Doesn't get much better, just a bit warmer up to 15 degrees for the run home through Pakenham, Cranbourne and on to BP Thompson's Rd where our ride concluded.

Everyone agreed that once again Ron Olsson had planned and lead a fantastic ride, with the corner makers system, string-of-pearls, and tailend charlie ensuring we all had a safe and thoroughly satisfying ride.

 Peter B.