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Sunday 26 April 2009.  About 300 km.
First, Peter (left) arrives.
Shortly after (above), Geoff and guest Ian (Ensay).
 

Ian's bike, a 2000 Buell Cyclone 1200.
Belt drive.
Take a picture while its clean!


So this is the crew that set out (and returned).
Three Honda and One Buell.

First stop ,Omeo for fuel.
News is that Hotham has a foot of snow, as well then
we aren't doing the "wrong way round".
Note wet forecourt, it has rained and come over very
low and threatening as soon as we left home, doesnt
look good in the direction we are going either.
Yes, its cold.
This is an interesting photo, foreground is my XLV750R.
Peter is filling the Varadero (XL1000V) in middle and
bike leaving is a XRV650 Honda Africa Twin.
This was released after mine, is water cooled and was
never released in Australia but like the XLV has become
a cult bike.
Both of course have led to the Varadero.
If a Transalp (XL650/700V) had been there it would
have been a complete family.
I know you are all fascinated with this.


 

You cant say you werent told!
It has been a bit wet but not too bad so far, a bit of
clear sky has followed us (or us it) since Benambra
but it is getting colder and it is actually snowing
lightly when this was took.
Although road is wet its not slippery and really
feels better than when dry and loose.


 

A stop at 1326 metres, has been snowing lightly since
last pic but road no worse, grip remains amazingly good.
Colder! Bit of snow built up on ground and tree
branches etc. Two 4wd's went past , the first one
opened a door on the way past and yelled out
"you're crazy".


 

Wombargo Range 5400 ft. Since the last stop we have
gone through a section of fairly heavy snow buildup
on trees etc but not on road. Here its starting to show
a little blue sky ahead but is snowing and blowing,
See video below.

CLICK HERE


 

But a few kilometres further on the sky had cleared
and the road a little dusty as we hit the main road.
Still very very windy.


A stop at Buchan for coffee and hamburger after a great
ride down from Gelantipy way.  I wasn't the only one to
feel the bike actually shift sideways from the wind.
Power was out but the shop had a bbq going out the back.

So, onwards to Bruthen for fuel and on up the GAR
with a stop at Mt Elizabeth turnoff for the last photo op.
I climbed down to get a good perspective for the shot,
Geoff felt that I would be seeking to get a leaf or branch
in the foreground for "effect" so thats "below left" while
the amusement "below" is a result of my falling over
while climbing back up. Peter even thought to ask if I
was OK (eventually).

T'was a great ride, a real "adventure", thanks to all.