Hi all, Nowra ride done and dusted, and it was dusty. Was pretty happy with the turn out. We were a little slack on the head count, we all seemed to get into the riding instead of counting, but at the end of the day we decided we had around 25 riders give or take a couple and we reckon there were around 35 Vinduro,VMX bikes. There were also 4 or 5 modern bikes who came to ride with friends or their Vinduro bikes were in various stages of repair. I also spoke to 3 or 4 guys who came for a look, not sure how tuff the course would be,but keen now for next time.
Was a beautiful warm day, maybe a bit to warm, think in the end it reached over 30 degrees. I had marked out an 8 kilometre run, not sure of the skill levels of all riders who were coming, so I hoped I mixed it up enough for all. It ranged from single trail, fire trails with some nasty whoops, fast sections, rocky climbs, creek crossings.
I started the day leading a group of 6 or 7 to show them the lay of the land and a second group of around the same number. Was very dusty, bit hard to see if you were at the back of the pack. So after the first lap it ended up every man for themselves. We had groups and individuals belting out a few loops.
We didn't seem to have any major breakdowns, seemed to be the usual KTM starting problems and some KTM clutch woes. The rice burners pretended not to notice, good sports we are .
I stopped mid trail to check on an overheated Tymes on a TT600 and my XL was promptly mounded on the rear by an out of control CR500 riden by Adam. No damage, both Hondas.
Brooksie went for an adventure off the maked trail with a couple of mates to great section with a nasty rocky step up section, made it up, but looked like they were about to melt when i saw them pop out of the section,so made the wise decision to head back to the main track. I have done this section many times on my DRZ400, but not willing to punish my body or the old Honda on it! Brooksie did comment that if we return, that section has got to be on the loop. That's fine with me, but if it is hot, take plenty of water, I seen it destroy many riders, tough work for some.
Some of the boys were determined to do 100 kilometres, but in the end they reckon they did 8 laps, not sure if it was a big fish story or the heat had cooked their brains and had lost count.There seemed to be a few arm chair riders after a few laps, saying they were enjoying the shade and telling back in the day stories.
I did 5 laps, but as the day was just about finished my son, mate and myself did a mystery tour for 20 minutes around the many single tracks and just made it down and up a nasty , muddy gully, think it was the only mud in the place that day.
The guys from Canberra and Canowindra stayed Saturday night and had a great set up, think they had done the ride weekend ride thing more than once. Great bunch of blokes, sorry I can't remember all the names, but there were a lot of Bills. Hope to catch up with them at Canowindra, even got an invite down to Heaven in Canberra, but not sure if the XL counts as VMX.
A dozen or so members of the Classic and Enthusiasts Motorcycle club turned up for a look, on their way back from Nerriga, but I missed them as I was out bashing the trails. Turned up with some great Nortons, triumphs and Ducaties I was told.
All up I got mostly positive feedback on the day. Couple said they would like it a little tougher, longer. Did my best for a one man band, as I said was not sure how many would turn up or skill level.
Club was happy to have us and happy to have us again. I spoke to Wayne the President of the club, said if we want a longer run, he would be happy to go out with a few of us, work out a circuit so that we can have more tough sections and an easier route around for those who like it a little more relaxed and to make it longer circuit.
So any riders with some feedback or positive suggestions for the future if you think we should do it again sometime, let me know.
I think the campers were happy, had toilets and the showers were running for the group, so think it would be good for any traveling riders if we have a future event.
Bit slack on the pics, to busy chatting with the different groups and riding. Was going to do some go pro movies, but in the end, didn't want to miss out on ride time, also bit to dusty. Got a few pics of the bikes and riders, so if you wanted to see the action, guess you should of come. Will try and get them up here, but always seem to have problems posting them on the forum.
Wayne also said if any groups want to arrange a VMX ride Viduro or any other event to contact them, they are very supportive and would love to have you down. They have the tracks, trails and a few facilities, you may as well us them if on offer.
So if you are interested in helping arrange something bigger in the future or just want to meet up and get a group together for another casual run,put it out there.
If you ride with your mates or want to take the kids out for a good day, Nowra is always open all school holidays and Friday through to Monday every week, but always check their calendar in case they have an event on.
Thanks to all the riders for your support and to Nowra and District Motorcycle club for the use of the tracks. Big thanks to all the guys who traveled many hours, but the winner would have to be Adrian on the KTM two stroke, drove all the way over night to Albury to drop off a bike he sold, then turned around, headed straight back to Nowra to ride and give his support. Thanks for that, really appreciated.
So hope to see you all on the trails again soon
Brent
