OzVMX Forum
Clubroom => General Discussion => Topic started by: Kenneth S (222) on April 02, 2018, 07:07:41 am
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Just did the run down to Broadford for my first bonanza. You Victorians are totally spoiled with that complex and yet again NSW is behind the times and our local government has NFI! Was great to ride around the Broadford MX Track again although last time I rode it in 82 it went anti-clockwise but it still felt familiar and brought back great memories. I was told attendance numbers were approx 5000. Pretty impressive numbers. Attended Rosco's Mini Reunion Dinner and mini Show n Shine which was a blast with a lot of great people there. Crumpy came and put on a show at the Short Circuit track and even though he was obviously riding at 70%, his 70% was still a thrill to watch. Those old short circuit guys are fun to watch and they are as tough as nails. Watched the road riding for a while on what I thought was a beautifully undulating road circuit with great vantage points. All in all a good spoil of a weekend for me and I highly recommend it.
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yes a good event, i have not been for 4-5 years but i reckon and i thought numbers were way down on MX track, but speedway was in high attendance and i spent my time there.
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Yeh l tend to head-out about every second year, always the same bikes there, the mx crowd seems to be getting smaller; combination of a few things l think....
vmx guys getting old and losing some drive/interest/health.
All the bickering that goes on about race classes & period mods.
Hit & miss if the mx track is going to be rideable.
Cost.
More vmx guys turning to Vinduro.
l would have expected the mx track to be in great condition this year but it's still the same old track. I would have gone this year to catch-up with old friends but a herniated disc has put me out for a little while.
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I see Terry's bike has caused a stir.
http://amcn.com.au/editorial/2018-shannons-insurance-broadford-bike-bonanza-brings-a-bike-out-of-48-years-of-hiding/
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The MX track was in excellent condition this year. I was manning the track entry and every rider I spoke with praised the track condition. Well done groundsmen!
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Some pic's from saturday-
(https://i.imgur.com/JXYHcDq.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/98pveOj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bpPdBhz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hyo71jR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ltPO6JY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VBJXbvM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GoRYj0J.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qJF9vvr.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zVyWITv.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zi1XYWE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/D1ebkD5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/h9xDCqn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mtbUEjI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iEE9Rbf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/K0V34QI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ROJoXUm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9kffrkq.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bPxEDPg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/piW08D7.jpg)
and pit lane- Vincent's, Norton's, Indian's and more
https://youtu.be/hqcwkI9QSx4
cheers Tony
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MX track was good. Since they've cut the top NE corner? from it the maintenance seems to be more manageable. MX numbers seemed to be down but the sliders where in abundance; as were minis of all shapes and sizes.
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I go every year and have the best time ever! ride the road circuit, long track and vinduro all in one weekend!!... ;D ;D ;D
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As a South Australian that went over for the first time this year I just thought I would post my thoughts on the Bonanza. Spent Saturday shuttle busing around to the various areas. The size of the place is mind blowing. Spent my time at the road race track with my mouth open in awe. The machinery that was wheeled out and circulating on the track was unbelievable. If you have never seen the engineering masterpieces that are the Irving Vincents, do yourself a favour and have a look at them some time. They circulated the track like everything else was standing still! Speedway area was brilliant - great Vincent demonstrations and brilliant array of speedway, long track, flat track machines and riders. The swap meet puzzled me- bit of a non event, with 10 or so traders and not much passing foot traffic. There were some beautifully turned out MX and Vinduro machines, but they seemed to be scattered everywhere. There didn't seem to be much activity on the large MX track - only a few pre 90 and 85 bikes and a lot of the bikes seemed to be riding down to the enduro circuit by the speedway to do their riding or up to the top vinduro circuit. After a big part of Saturday at the speedway, I spent all of Sunday at the Road Racing. Thoroughly enjoyed the event and would come again, but am just wondering if I missed something, as the Road race and speedway/ long track, seemed to be the main focus of the event, with everything else just acting as gap fillers. What do others think? Maybe there is something that I missed or I am being a bit critical? Just thinking that if I had hauled MX bikes over to ride, may have been a bit disappointed.
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Hit & miss if the mx track is going to be rideable.
The way that the sprinklers are set up do nothing but destroy the corners with deep mud/bog holes. Track came good in the arvo on both days but only a single line for the most part. Its a tough gig to maintain, but i'd prefer the dust to mud. Issue is that the road circuit guys don't run air filters so the 1st sign of dust coming their way and there whingeing.
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Hit & miss if the mx track is going to be rideable.
The way that the sprinklers are set up do nothing but destroy the corners with deep mud/bog holes. Track came good in the arvo on both days but only a single line for the most part. Its a tough gig to maintain, but i'd prefer the dust to mud. Issue is that the road circuit guys don't run air filters so the 1st sign of dust coming their way and there whingeing.
I've had the discussion many times with the various track Managers, even recently with Rob Mestrom (who is also the CEO of MV). It's very hard to keep Broadford dirt nice all the way around; if I had a dollar for every day I have worked on that track I would have a shed full of factory bikes ;-)
Yeh the roadrace track guys complain about any dust that blows over the hill (in the 25 years I have raced on the road circuit, I have never seen dust blow over the track), making management turn on the sprinklers. Lack of complete coverage of the sprinklers and not taking into account where water pools seem to be a big problem, plus the only top-soil that is on the track is what is laid in the lead-up to an event.
From the pics I have seen of the event, the track looked as good as it has been in the last 10 years, although I wasn't keen to come out and ride. I've had in-depth talks with Rob about what the track needs, I don't think MV wants to spend the money required. But really just the basics will help, like understanding gravity when it comes to running water and looking at the weather forecasts ;-)
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John,
Broadford MX track always has been and will continue to be a pain in the butt to prepare and maintain over the course of a weekend for racing/riding. The people that are tasked with maintaining it are up against the elements all year round. When it’s wet it’s a mud fest, when it rains heavily any good soil or conditioning on the top of the track is washed away, when its dry its rock hard and dusty and when you water it with sprinklers it’s over watered in the wrong spots and turns the dirt into sticky clay. The Bonanza is meant to be a showcase of motorcycling from day dot to 1990 along with showcasing the facility itself. When HBBB first started the MX numbers were massive and year on year since it has dwindled to where there wouldn’t have been more than 20/25 riders using the track at any one time this Easter just gone, WHY? I understand that it not all about the track, camping, facilities, etc. all have a part to play, but why is the MX side of the Bonanza not growing or as popular with the rest of the disciplines. At a guess there would have been more Enduro bikes at the event this year than MX bikes (I may be wrong)
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Its not just Bonanza and the track, its vintage MX in general. The biggest class at the moment in victoria is pre 95.
That track is hard work and all the older generation are moving into something a bit easier on the body..vinduro or dirt track etc..
its as simple as that
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You guy's are right :-)
I think there is still hope for the Victorian vmx scene. Sure the Broadford mx track has been worn down to the bones from all the years of use, I think most Vic vmx riders know that and that's one reason why they don't ride out there, although I think Viper had a great turn-out at a recent race meeting there?
Good turn-outs for Classic Dirt & VMX Expo in other states; which is in the same vein as the Bonanza, I guess the main difference a nice flowing grass-track verses 'one-line, mud, dust, mud' track at Broadford?
I reckon the rally-cross track, over where the supercross track was, should be graded with a few crests so old riders & bikes can get some gentle air. If a grader can get around it then so can a water-truck (and old riders ;-) ). A water-truck is the only real answer for motocross tracks; it gives constant coverage with the labour of only 1 person.
I will talk again to Rob Mestrom to see if we can organize a 'steering Committee' to offer constructive ideas.
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Its not just Bonanza and the track, its vintage MX in general. The biggest class at the moment in victoria is pre 95.
That track is hard work and all the older generation are moving into something a bit easier on the body..vinduro or dirt track etc..
its as simple as that
Interested to understand, is Pre-95 seen to be the biggest class because it has the most bikes at the event/meeting (or) the most entries, they are two very different things.
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Im only 36 and Im too lazy to ride that track on a old bike, can only imagine what it feels like at 50+...haha.
Dont quote me I havent done any statistical analysis, I just mean the line up on the grid for pre 95 is large compared to some of the earlier classes.
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I ask the question only out of interest. I see a lot of Pre-95 bikes however multiple bikes seem to be owned by the same rider. Having lots if bikes at an event doesn't pay the running costs, multiple entries do. Build the right classes, provide the right environment and utilize the right track and you cant loose. This seems to be getting missed.
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last time i went i rode the track on a 400 enduro with 10" travel and it was fun until a short kicker jump which had a real splat landing hard down onto a flat ground gave me a jolt in the shoulders and wrists every lap. On an old cr 250 greenback!!?? i couldnt entertain the thought at all. yet a youngish bloke the year before flogged an old bsa mx bike around there like he was mr mx. its the age factor i think. a lot of keen vmxer's over the last 10 years are hurting more and looking at vinduro short track etc.
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As per previous comments the main track is for the fit and fast, I did try to tell them many years back they they need to make another track in the old channel 'O' area and build it as an amateur track that would not only suit the old bikes but also everyone else that needs a 'stepping stone' before progressing to the main track. It would need to be made properly and with mulch as every skerrick of top soil has disappeared from this area.
Trouble is they have too many advisors and it wouldn't be long before some dickhead wants to build doubles on it!!
The dirt track and road race tracks are always busy but I think it is because they don't have a lot of choices for rides whereas MXers can ride anywhere so tend to be more choosy.
Once again the food supply was piss poor around the MX / swap meet area, like nothing,
It does seem like the MXers aren't considered
I chose to drive into Broadford township for a pie and coffee rather that have to drive to the road race track, find somewhere to park, walk half a K to the canteen then join a long queue.
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"some dickhead would want to put doubles on it" -hahaha gold !!! we travelled from north nsw a couple years ago and loved the weekend but the "pre 78" track was pretty ordinary (skatey/dusty) in a good area and could be great with mulch and prep etc (and no doubles !????
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It is an OK event, if you are into “Show and tell”. ::) I did a couple of them years ago. The road racing is always well displayed and frequented and worth a look. Speedway was OK, if you are into it. But myself with a VMX back ground, I wished every time I was somewhere else. The track was neglected every time and moderns and classics where on the track together. (Always went there, because initially I believed it was a classic event) I think if you live very close to Broadford, then it is OK for a ride. But when you are doing a 2000 km round trip and pay hefty entry fees, then it is hard to justify. Those days we load the trailer with the bikes, lead squirters, Esky’s and swags opting for the Flinders or a farmers property. A lot of riding fun and freedom for a long weekend without any politics and good people you can choose to be around with. 8)
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You guy's are right :-)
I think there is still hope for the Victorian vmx scene. Sure the Broadford mx track has been worn down to the bones from all the years of use, I think most Vic vmx riders know that and that's one reason why they don't ride out there, although I think Viper had a great turn-out at a recent race meeting there?
Good turn-outs for Classic Dirt & VMX Expo in other states; which is in the same vein as the Bonanza, I guess the main difference a nice flowing grass-track verses 'one-line, mud, dust, mud' track at Broadford?
I reckon the rally-cross track, over where the supercross track was, should be graded with a few crests so old riders & bikes can get some gentle air. If a grader can get around it then so can a water-truck (and old riders ;-) ). A water-truck is the only real answer for motocross tracks; it gives constant coverage with the labour of only 1 person.
I will talk again to Rob Mestrom to see if we can organize a 'steering Committee' to offer constructive ideas.
a proper VMX friendly track out there would be amazing
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The Mx track was extremely good Saturday morning, there was hardly any dust, it was super tacky and fun.....then the sprinklers came on and slaughtered the best conditions i have experienced at Broadford. The young lads that obviously spin a lot of laps and are fit were super impressive pounding out fast laps. But for the average punter like me that hardly rides it takes the fun factor out of it when the sprinklers water random sections that destroy it. I am always one to jump on a hose and water the needed bits at any track over the years, i almost wonder if hoses would be a better option there. Thanks to all involved that made the effort for track prep for us, track was insane until sprinkler warfare.
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I was a corner steward on Saturday & Sunday, it makes for a long day when only a doz bikes riding the track, its has been discussed for next year 2019, the main track to be used for modern bikes and a club that caterers for moderns to take control of it.
The pre 78 Track over near speedway will be up graded to suit the older bikes. Ross martin will take the recommendation that has been put forward to him to the next MA meeting. one can only hope that this idea will take shape, otherwise the MX track will die and won`t be used.
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Won’t modern MX bikes be contrary to the theme, that the Bonanza is for the older bikes?
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Yes it may, something needs to change Rosco86, the numbers have dropped write off, with the mx track.
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F that :P
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They've lost the plot if they intend to go down this path.
It's probably too logical to want to just build a track that guys would love to ride :o
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The only sensible thing to do is turn the track into a track that will suit pre 90
You know like Take the top off the jumps just push it into the low spots to get
rid of the bog holes at the bottom make it more user frendly .
Why change the Pre 90 rule when it would be easyier to change the track .
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Jumps are relatively tame at Broadford. Classic track for Nationals at Pirie last year was jumpier. Broadford could do with a deep rip, some harrowing and then being sown if the aim was to make to make it more Pre 78 friendly.
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and get rid of that skyshot jump on the back downhill straight :o
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Jumps are relatively tame at Broadford. Classic track for Nationals at Pirie last year was jumpier. Broadford could do with a deep rip, some harrowing and then being sown if the aim was to make to make it more Pre 78 friendly.
The ground has lost all top-soil, ripping deep will just create deep, hard ruts where water will pool. lt needs to be built up in height so water runs off the riding surface, then graded flat and tracked-in so you have enough looseness for traction but not too much depth for ruts, holes & big dust.
Everyone has to realize that due to the earth that you have to work with there, it must be accepted that the track be classified as 'hard terrain' and then use the applicable tyres.
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The only sensible thing to do is turn the track into a track that will suit pre 90
You know like Take the top off the jumps just push it into the low spots to get
rid of the bog holes at the bottom make it more user frendly .
Why change the Pre 90 rule when it would be easyier to change the track .
Right on the money in my opinion ;)
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Things are going seriously off the rails if they even contemplate modern bikes at this event. It would just be a cheap and misdirected attempt at grabbing extra money – which wouldn’t happen anyway and just turn off more vintage riders to boot!
The BBB is a huge money spinner and both MA (promoter) and MV (property owner) need to get their shit together to ensure each gets their fair cop (unlike dodgy goings on in years past). This event deserves a concerted effort from MV to make ALL tracks primo to ensure its longevity as an event for ALL riders.
Fix the problem and they will come. This track could be made into what everyone wants for this event and at no extra cost, it just needs some careful management and a little help from volunteers and riders.
From the posts so far the problems have a common theme:- Wet patches where the sprinklers are; Water run-off collecting at the bottom of hills making mud holes; Dry patches in between; Using sprinklers between sessions to stop dust to appease complaints from Road Racers: butt clenching downhill jumps etc. There are several positives though – the dirt even when compacted can take water reasonably well; and it seems that the current method of track prep is working and well accepted by riders (at least in the sections where the optimum amount of water was applied)
I have ridden Broadford at MX events and past BBB’s. Having over 30 years experience building and prepping State and National standard MX tracks I’ve seen it all. The hilly terrain of Broadford is fantastic for a MX venue but the ground also makes for a challenge with track prep, e.g. water collecting at the bottom corners, the hills being unsafe for water trucks etc.
The extra effort required to make the MX side of things a ‘must ride’ event for 2019 would be bugger all. If I were running it I would ensure that:
1/ Pre event track prep continue similar to existing. No deep ripping, just 'dressing' up.
2/ Sprinklers be monitored night before to ensure NO excess run-off running down hills creating bog holes.
3/ Dig a few run-off channels with bobcat just before the bottoms of the hills to catch any water run-off to alleviate bog holes (just in case guy operating pump has one too many beers before turning pump off!)
4/ Also on the night before hand water the dry bits not reached by sprinklers! This is easy but the most important bit! Could be done by the riders, only a one or two stubby job by half a dozen guys and it would be done! Do this and most of the issues will no longer be issues. No more wet-dry-wet. No more dust from the dry bits (which are the reason people complain).
5/ Knock the top off any gung-ho jumps to make it pleasurable for everyone to ride.
6/ Next day during the riding sessions have the riders / flaggies go out and hand water BEFORE dust becomes an issue. If there is one thing I learned over the years it is water only leaves the ground if it is let dry out – if you keep a light sprinkle on top BEFORE the moisture leaves, the track will remain primo!
7/ Create a second flatter track for pre 78 bikes that one water truck could manage (one operater)
There are plenty more things that could be done to make the Broadford track awesome but the above are all very achievable with current resources.
:)
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Even if you did make the track more VMX friendly it now has a reputation to undo, it would take years of being a awsome track to get people back on it. Even then the people enjoying it would be relatively fit motorcross racers or ex mx racers, BBB is not a race meeting. Its a event for the old blokes to get out and (enjoy) their old bikes. A well managed grass track with a few ski jumps would be perfect. Even though it was to small years back they had a scrambles track near the swap meet area and that was quite popular.
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i still like to tell people i rode the track which was a round of the world champs years ago ( i dont tell them how slow im riding...). i like it as it is open and flowing. yep it has some issues with mud but as stated, its a relatively easy fix with some drainage efforts and organised watering.. etc. some simple earthworks to get rid of that flat landing jump and the rest of the track is pretty good even for old enduro bikes. because im not racing i can pick the best lines, sneak around the poo and mud and just motor around. (its pretty slow motoring).
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I feel 2 things need to occur for VMX to be successful at the Bonanza.
1. Need to have someone step up onto the organising committee; so that the track can be modified in some way to suit the older bikes and 2. also this person needs to coordinate a theme.
Rick Wason does it with the Speedway/Dirt track. We had the 2017 Romsey longtrack Reunion and this year the Neil Street Tribute/SR4 Jawa conversion which revolutionised speedway to the 4 valve motors. Also linked to the Road Race theme with 11 Vincent Sidecars for track and display. Each year brings new people to the event, most like it so much they return. 2019 theme is already set as Speedway and track sidecars through the eras. Already there is much fb chatter with sidecars coming out of mothballs to be recommissioned for the event. This then becomes part of the Speedway Spectacular at 4.00pm.The weekend becomes a celebration of some major event in Speedway/Dirt track history.
VMX has lots of history and could have themes such as Big British Bangers, The LTR revolution, The Japanese Invasion, European uniqueness. have a parade of these bikes at Luchtime and maybe an Exhibition ride round by past Champions, akin to what Classic Dirt does. Would be good to see the likes of a Flood, Adams, Pengelly, Cramer, Dinsdale etc
When I go I just see a couple of bikes circulating. I do the swap meet, wander the camp grounds to see the bikes and then head to the Road Race section. Finding a snugger camp spot would be good so seeing all the bikes without walking miles may also assist
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Surely the money the road and speedway brings to the table is generous..
A couple of basic steps in my opinion would be to:
1-put the responsibility on us riders and friends/family (if they wish) to attend to the areas that need watering by hand after a nice track prep as we see fit.
2- Mx track entry is free for 2019!! With the growing numbers at speedway and road circuit, surely this is plausible... plus the day licence cost if required. Make this known Australia wide a long way in advance. This will make the decision to make the trip a little more enticing. Bring back the MX numbers!!