by Ben Hennessy aka Benji
Today’s ride organised by the veteran Trevor B generated so much interest the club was almost required to contact Ticketek in an effort to manage entry numbers. Due to the unprecedented interest, the rider count was raised above the typical value allowing up to 20 riders to participate.
Eighteen riders committed to arrive at Beechworth bakery by 8:30 a.m. The car park was engulfed with Madcat members and their bikes. No bravery was required this morning, the day was shaping up to be one of the best in months as winter begins to taper off.
As a seemingly endless slew of Madcat members rolled into the meetup location it was evident to the observant that despite the event’s humorous naming “Orange is my favourite colour”, in honour of a beloved member’s new ride, it was undeniable that white was the colour of the day as Husqvarna 701’s attained solid representation.
Although the morning was beautiful the group members clearly had a distrust in Melbourne’s fickle weather, obviously confused by this anomaly the club nibbled breakfast wearing singlets too jackets and anything in between.
The mix of bikes for the forthcoming ride favoured a more agile enduro style however, a couple of DR650s, Africa Twin, Royal Enfield Himalayan, and a variety from KTM and Yamaha made up the pack.
Regardless of the class you choose to ride one thing was obvious from any of Trevor’s rides, nobbies were highly advised although the Africa Twin’s front tyre must have missed that memo.
As the 18 bikes roared off towards Yarra Ranges National Park it wasn’t long before we hit the dirt, stones and most notably potholes deep enough to throw an inattentive rider. Overtaking was the prized skill of the day, with 18 riders the ability to overtake allowed the ambitious to get out of the pack and ahead of the dust.
The day consisted of a diverse variety of tracks ranging from level two to three. Featuring some uphill clay, downhill 4×4 gutters, puddles, bushland, and gravel.
After becoming disoriented Dan turned this ride into a level four as he sped up a hill which to my recollection was no smaller than Mount Olympus itself. Although this hill was a solid level 4, Dan did spare a thought for the Africa Twin and his front tyre. Wondering how he was going to handle the hill. Unaware the Africa Twin was sitting at the bottom wondering where the hell this numpty on a 701 was going.
To the rescue came Peter on his very own 701 in an effort that would put Keven Costner in the bodyguard to shame, he retrieved the lost ally and they both returned to the group – Huh! Did PW’s 501 grow up…thoughts from the editor –
Next, the riders pulled into the old Yea Railway Station for some scenic therapy, and although the historical significance is interesting the main attraction was a steep dirt path leading back up onto the road with a deviously hidden gutter at the top. As riders took turns doing the loop, up the hill, onto the road and back through the car park Alan with his Himalayan came flying through like a battle tank. Unlike a tank his speed slowed, and traction diminished three-quarters of the way up the hill. Two Madcats came running to help push the rest of the way.
Stomachs began to grumble, and this motley crew pulled into Yea for lunch. The town was vibrant. Crowded with sports bikes, Harleys, Adventure bikes and a much less interesting assortment of four-wheeled cages.
The grass was packed with all sorts enjoying the day. Alas, there was no rest for a Madcat. There were plenty of kilometres to travel so once everybody had their fill, we were off.
The back half of the day was chock full of dirt tracks and whoops allowing everyone to test their suspension travel. One rider hit the gravel fortunately coming out uninjured and I, being too stubborn to stop, tried to navigate a rut deeper and narrower than the pegs would allow. My ride was now more dirt than bike as I rode off carrying part of the national park with me.
Pulling back towards Healesville the group pulled in to say those bittersweet goodbyes to head home and clean up ready for next time.