Helldog's Noms Ride

Billed as an unashamedly twisty Nom's ride, the turnout was on the low side (members officially citing elections, birthdays, ‘the army' and plane travel among others ;)

However, the flag was flown by road captain Skinner and member Duck plus a good showing by 2 ring-in prospects that rounded out the group.

After the ride brief, which focused heavily on safety, the motley crew set off towards Warburton with cool and dry conditions. The run to Reefton was relaxing with little traffic and no cops setting the scene for the great spurs run.

The road workers had different ideas. After stopping at the bottom of Reefton Spur for a quick reminder that the road really was quite twisty, I noticed the "small patch of gravel" was actually fairly major road works! Anyway we set off with your faithful Nom resigned to the prospect of at least one death on my conscience. To everyone's significant credit we traversed the 5km of bastard black ball bearings littered on the road to emerge on what I maintain is still the best bit of road in Victoria!

This was the fun bit! 20kms of pure cornering heaven later and I pulled over to wait for the cruiser crowd. To my surprise Duck hauled his Triumph up with the Ducati in tow just as I got my helmet off! Suitably impressed, I was then shocked as the Heritage Soft-tail pulled up seconds later! Derek must have been hauling that beast, truly a mammoth effort. Duck's running over an aggravated snake's back nearly got our Ducati rider's leg bitten!

Once rested, we coasted down the other side through proud forests and rolled into Marysville for a feed. With the pace through the hills on the fast side, we were well ahead of time and settled in to ‘In Neutral' for a great feed and a couple of cold drinks. Well fed and rested we set off towards Healesville for the run down the mountain. Everyone enjoyed this leg as the weather, road and traffic were all favourable.

Filling up in Healesville we arranged to part at respective exits and headed to the meeting and Sandy's party. At the meeting I was accepted by the members and proudly accepted the patch from the Prez Gibbo.

This ride was really a bizarre mixed-bag of crotch-rocket, dirt squirt, hog, Triumph and Italian pedigree? But the main thing was that it was a ride thoroughly enjoyed by all the guys on it (and an impressive demonstration of twisty riding by the cruiser boys) well done!





HELLDOG