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On Sunday the 12th of August, 2007, Shannon and I headed off early in the morning for what would become one of the most exillerating group rides I have ever been a part of.

We left home at 6:30am (bikes already loaded on the trailer the night before) and met some friends from Albany and Kojonup at the kojonup roadhouse at 7am. After fueling up (cars and bellies) we headed off in a 3 car convoy for the 90 minute drive to Collie. Based on previous reports, I was expecting to see another 5 or 6 bikes (other than our 5), but was pleasantly surprised to find a dozen of them (including one quad) itching to get out for a great day in the bush around Collie.

This was my first 'big' dirt bike ride in many years and the first 'real' opportunity to put my new CFR450X to the test. Once everyone was ready to go (some last minute repairs including a puncture), all 18 of us headed off around 9:30am. (the quad rider had a pillion!)

It only took about 5 mins for the first 'incident' to take place. Two of the riders (and their bikes) became tangled in some steel fencing wire that had been left on the track... They came to a grinding halt with one of the riders coming off his bike.... Fortunately, due to quick reflexes and some great riding skills, a potentially serious accident was avoided. It di did a few minutes to untangle the mess.

Moments later, we were all making our way through our first creek crossing (I can't say I enjoy starting the day with wet feet! But thats a problem I have with my new boots - and thats another story). Then we headed straight into some nice twisty bush tracks and the pace picked up quickly.... (I did mention this was my first 'real' group ride, right?).

Well, ... I soon found the limit of my abilities, and those of my tires, sorely tested. While making a quick right hand turn my rear wheel flicked up a little (tree root?) and I suddenly found myself much closer to the ground than I had planned to be. I spun out and hit the dirt with my right leg/elbow. I was wearing body armour and the afore mentioned boots, plus padded riding pants so the damage was limitted to a bit o 'gravel rash' on my right arm where my shirt had lifted. Oh, and my pride took a bit of a hit too!

I am happy to report it was the only real "off" I had all day (except for a silly slip at a railway crossing).... I am also happy to report (snicker!) that I was not the only one to 'slip up' during the ride. Fortunately there were no serious injuries and everyone made it back in one piece, though some of the bikes were missing a few pieces...

I can't even begin to descibe the variety of terain we covered that day... And although most of it it was 'fun', there were times when I was definately well out of my comfort zone..... I'm not saying I was out of my 'depth' but I was pushing hard to keep up while continually trying to be 'safe', if that makes any sense. The CRF450X performed flawlessly all day... I LOVE THIS BIKE! But there are a few small 'adjustments' I want to make to the suspension settings as a result of my experiences on this ride.....

All in all, it was a blast! My poor aching body would beg to disagree (for a few days) afterwards but I am already looking forward to the next Collie Group Ride!

I have included a few photos... (note the early morning fog)... to give you and idea of the group.... and a map to show the location

Enjoy!