Twelve of us ( Jack, Sam, Jeff, Colin, Cevat, Brian, Rod, Les, John, Mike, Gary and me ) gathered for a lovely Summer ride. Mike arrived surprising us all on a new Moto Guzzi Mandello. The XR1000 is gone. Also the brand balance is shifting. Only 7 of the 12 bikes were BMWs. Mike offered to be rear rider as he was running in the Guzzi,

Morning tea was at Lancefield, easily reached by going Wallan and Romsey. Lancefield was packed with a car display. Many different makes and models. Onwards to Castlemaine with the day temperature steadily rising. First along the Burke and Wills track, through Redesdale where Jeff left us due to family commitments. Turning right we went onto Sutton Grange and I overshot the turn for Mt Alexandra causing a U-turn for the group. Mt Alexandra is worth riding as it is a good mix of tight corners and views of the surrounding countryside. A few turns put us on the Calder Hwy going left into Harcourt then right into Castlemaine. For those interested Harcourt has the largest miniature Railway in Victoria, 2.7 km of it.

Lunch over riders took some different ways home with some following a wayward leader. First I missed the Metcalfe corner causing a long ride around Lake Eppolock. Excellent roads but unnecessary. Similarly I could have gone through Heathcote but didn't. I finally got back on track getting us back to Lancefield for a breather stop, toilet and cold drinks at the Service Station. Home from there was via Whittlesea, Hurstbridge and Warrandyte. I arrived at my local Servo with 17 km left showing on the dash. Perfect judgement.

What we didn't know was that Mike had collected a puncture in his rear tire. He first noticed by the warning arriving on the dash of the Mandello. Luckily a Harley rider stopped, then went and got repair parts, came back and they plugged it allowing Mike to continue home. 3 plugs were needed. That new bike Gremlin was working hard. Thanks for being rear rider Mike and all members who came and enjoyed a warm day. I think most would have jumped into the shower on getting home.