Having just got back from five weeks in Europe, it was time to get back on the bike. However, the weather forecast of arctic conditions plus heavy rain did almost change my mind to join Phil's Marysville ride yesterday. Unbelievably, the sun was actually shining at around 7.30am as I headed into Healesville, obviously the forecast was wrong again or that's what I was hoping!!I arrived at the unloading area with only one other rider there, I was starting to wonder whether the ride had been cancelled. Over the next fifteen minutes Phil and eight others arrived, a quick look at the weather radar clearly showed the forecast was right with heavy rain heading our way.Ten of us set off, Phil in the lead with Lefty riding tail man. We rode around the triangle for a while, one of the guys had a bit of trouble getting up a slippery hill with his 2 banger Husky, then it wouldn't start so after a bit messing around she started and we were on our way again. For the first hour the conditions were surprisingly good, then the rain started and didn't stop. Phil led the ride across the highway into what he called the 'slippery side' as if it wasn't slippery enough. We got to a challenge hill, most people had a go at it, I gave up after two shots but it was mastered by Mark, Lefty and not sure who the third guy was but they were quick to point out they were all on Husky's!! We decided to head to Marysville for lunch back through the triangle, when we stopped to regroup at the top of one of the hills (sorry don't know the names of the tracks) it started to snow!!!!! One of the 449's was having a problem with the battery, role starting it in such slippery conditions was become a problem. Five guys braved lunch at the river crossing with the rest of us going to the Bakery in Marysville. The 449 battery problem resulted in this guy pulling the pin at lunch time. Now, here was the excuse I need, I'm not proud but yes I pulled the pin too, it was wet, very wet.Thanks to Phil for putting on the ride and Lefty for being tail man, it was a great ride and one I will definitely remember as the first time I have ridden in falling snow, not much but it was still snow. Cheers Colin