Sunday promised fine weather but a shower upon arriving at Lilydale threw some doubts on this. Not to be deterred the brave Ride Leader, me, promised fine conditions for the rest of the day and so it stayed. 16 riders came. BMW Ringwood had loaned a brand new, 0 km, latest model BMW 1300 RS for our use on this club ride. It is a magnificent machine and is available at Ringwood should anyone wish a test ride. Chris Jefferies is the motorcycle manager. Chris has a long history with motorcycles and can help you. I do thank BMW for their trust and generosity. I did a 120 km familiarization ride on the Saturday afternoon so I wouldn't get lost with all the features that this bike has.

Our first section to morning tea went Yarra Glen, Kinglake, Whittlesea, Wandong, Kilmore then Lancefield. 3 more club members joined us there. Lancefield was filled with a large Car show. M/T over we were off along the Burke and Wills track to Mia Mia taking the track through the farms coming out on the Bendigo side of Heathcote with a short 5 km ride into town. This is a good track to use as rarely does it have traffic and there is plenty to keep you focused. Heathcote is an excellent town to visit as there are a number of ways in and out and very good facilities.

After lunch some chose to leave for their way home. Some chose keep riding the longer and more interesting way through Nagambie, Seymour, Yea, Glenburn and Yarra Glen. Around Yarra Glen the traffic almost came to a halt and it took time and patience to get through it.

Thanks to all riders for coming on a lovely sunny day and having a fun, safe time. Thanks to Sam for taking rear rider duties.

Sadly Monday morning early I had to hand the 1300 RS back to BMW. It really is a great ride. My 1250 RS does the sport/touring duties well. The 1300 RS does the touring well but the surprise is how it pushes the sports side way out there. The steering, handling, suspension and engine response are amazing. It plays the sport bike role so well. Back on my bike, leaving the dealership, turning in their drive, truly I thought I had a problem. My bike didn't want to turn. Yes my front tire is worn but I wasn't aware of this issue when I left the bike there on Saturday. I checked my tire pressures. All correct. The reason was I had been riding The 1300 RS and it tips into corners so easily and stable that I now had to adjust back. Try it. You'll be surprised.