2013 Hattah Desert Race

[John Orchard]

I just read the sup-regs for the 2013 Hattah Desert Race, who's up for it?  I'll probably enter the 'Masters' class (over 45) on my '79 KX250  :-)

[Rookie#1]

Go for it John, I'll be there again doing pit work for my mates racing for "Freakshow Racing", we had 4 riders last year in various senior classes. If you don't wanna go it alone you're welcome to come race under our banner and I'll help pit for you as well. It's an awesome event and I'd love to help ya fly the VMX flag there!!

[John Orchard]

You should be riding it too!  I'll be in touch, thanks  :-)

[Toolboy]

Might be tempted to join you there John,,,,bring my RM400N 79 and plenty of fuel,,,hahaha

Ive raced 4 Finke's but never a Hattah.

Tim

[Rookie#1]

Talking to mates and the likes of Pricey, Wonka and Grabo who have done done both all agree Hattah is the tougher of the two, mainly because Finke can be pre ridden many times before the race and terrain remains fairly similar during that time and also during the trip to and and back from Finke. Whereas Hattah terrain changes drastically throughout the day as it is a loop, what is flat in the morning can turn into 6ft whoops come the afternoon after so many competitors have roosted through it all day! Take plenty of spares John as its hell on bikes, if you should happen to have a spare top end and some gaskets i'd even recommend bringing them along. It's really a fantastic spectacle, from the Friday night static display and scruiteneering in the middle of Mildura to being in a pit lane that is also part of the race circuit!! Nothing like doing a 30sec fuel pit for ya mate while watching the countries best riders fly past just centimeters away!!

[John Orchard]

Last time I rode Hattah was in '77, as a 17 yo I rode my TS185B on L plates from frankston to Mildura to race at the event, then a 4 x 100k loops, two loops, then swap with the loop that the buggies had done two laps of.

I was 2nd in class after three laps but a rear puncture, dropped to 10th after riding 100k's with a flat trail tyre.

It was funny, everyone said pre the race "don't jet too lean on the needle or the bike will seize when you back-off after a high-speed run on the salt-flat.  On the salt-flat my TS started to slow and I thought I'd seized it, once I stopped I saw the the tail light had fallen into the rear wheel and the wiring harness was getting pulled off the bike and getting wrapped around the axle, I pulled it all out and took-off.

I had to hitch a ride back to Frankston lol.

[Rookie#1]

Last time I rode Hattah was in '77, as a 17 yo I rode my TS185B on L plates from frankston to Mildura to race at the event, then a 4 x 100k loops, two loops, then swap with the loop that the buggies had done two laps of.

I was 2nd in class after three laps but a rear puncture, dropped to 10th after riding 100k's with a flat trail tyre.

It was funny, everyone said pre the race "don't jet too lean on the needle or the bike will seize when you back-off after a high-speed run on the salt-flat.  On the salt-flat my TS started to slow and I thought I'd seized it, once I stopped I saw the the tail light had fallen into the rear wheel and the wiring harness was getting pulled off the bike and getting wrapped around the axle, I pulled it all out and took-off.

I had to hitch a ride back to Frankston lol.

  Thats hilarious! But a bloody good, dedicated effort as well!!! Hopefully this year has a little more success for ya, just make it to the end and i'll do the honour of handing the end of ride stubby to ya! 

[Rookie#1]

Some pics i took at the 2012 Hattah

Front row with Price in a familiar position



One of the Freakshow boys


The 1 and only pre 85 entrant (prob only pre 2010 entrant!) 


My Vinduro Promo tent next the timing tent at prologue.

[albrid-3]

That Kawasaki looks interesting I think its my bike. I hope you didn't ride it at hattah Rookie.

[Rookie#1]

That Kawasaki looks interesting I think its my bike. I hope you didn't ride it at hattah Rookie.

Your bike Dave?? Did you recently purchase a KDX250 from a forum member??

[albrid-3]

Yes I did.

[albrid-3]

http://s914.photobucket.com/user/albrid-3/media/KDX250007_zps086d5c1b.jpg.html

[Slakewell]

The guy who I lent my bikes too for the Nats last year won the Pony express class. I like to do this event I have a bit of old desert racer in me, I have done a few races at the Nindigully desert race.

[Rookie#1]

How's things looking John, is this still on the possible menu if the recovery remains on track?

[John Orchard]

How's things looking John, is this still on the possible menu if the recovery remains on track?

Not sure, I need to check some conflicting dates.