Cup day Ride Tuesday 5 Nov 2024
This ride was dedicated to Reg Hammond who passed away recently. Reg was an active club member for many years and enjoyed getting out on his motorcycle, right up to recent times.
Cup day provided an easy ride to the Greensborough start point. A welcome change to the usual peak traffic battles. Thirteen riders fronted up for what was to be a glorious sunny spring day. John K promised a simple ride across the great divide with the requisite number of bakery stops to ensure adequate nourishment for the motorcyclists.
We headed north via the usual route to Whittlesea, across to Wallan then to Romsey via Springfield. Then to the Woodend ‘Bourkies Bakehouse’ for morning tea and chatter on the sunny forecourt. A couple of gents turned up on 70’s Ducatis 860s with their distinct rumble. One in original patina, showing its years and the other a gleaming restoration. Time was pressing and Woodend was getting busy as tourists were also out making the most of the Public Holiday’s fine weather.
Moving on to our next bakery destination we headed out west to Tylden, turned south to Trentham East (Pig and Whistle hotel). Then west to pass through Trentham (not stopping at the famous Trentham bakery) then continued out of town to Spring Hill. Then along the Kyneton – Springhill Road passing between the Upper Coliban Reservoir and Lauriston Reservoir. The spillway of the Upper Coliban reservoir (which we rode across) is spanned by a bridge designed by Sir John Monash prior to WW1. Monash being a civil engineer prior to his military commander activities. The scenery in this part of Victoria looks great this time of year with its green rolling hills.
We then pass through Kyneton, also busy with people on the move, and head out of town passing over the Freeway and then turn east to travel along Pipers Creek Road to Pastoria eventually coming to the Burke and Wills Track. Here we made a right turn and head back to Lancefield for lunch. The scenery along this part of our route contrasts to the Spring Hill, Trentham district; being much drier with granite outcrops. Arriving at Lancefield we are now ready for lunch. When on our arrival another gent turns up on his 750sf Laverda. Seems the holiday and sunny weather has brought out the Italian 70s sports bikes. This Laverda was original condition with only 19,000 miles. The owner told me he bought it 14 years ago for $500. The seller couldn’t select any gears. The new owner put the gear selector in the correct way and has been riding it faultlessly since. A very nice early 70s bike, and according to the owner capable of 130mph.
Our return to Greensborough was an easy ride via Kilmore, Wandong and Whittlesea. Thanks to our ride leader John Killingsworth and Ashley Scott TEC for sweeping the course.
Scott Oldfield
| Riders – | ||
| Alan Kelly | Moto Guzzi V7 | 2009 |
| Peter Hansen | Triumph Street Twin | 2017 |
| Colin Borthwick | Triumph T120 | 2017 |
| Arthur Hampson | Triumph T120 | 2016 |
| Glenn Maddigan | Honda CBR1000 | 1995 |
| Peter Trathen | Suzuki VStrom | 2012 |
| Scott Oldfield | Ducati Multistrada | 2023 |
| Phillip Young | Suzuki GS1000 | 1986 |
| Ashley Scott TEC | Yamaha XJR1300 | 2002 |
| John and Viki Best | Suzuki SV650 | 2021 |
| John Addy | Suzuki GSX650 | 2008 |
| Paul Beukelman | HD Low Rider | 2023 |
| John Killingsworth Ride Leader | BMW R1200GS | 2011 |