Author Topic: Blackwood Vinduro (Vic.) on August 30 - 31, 2014  (Read 29833 times)

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Offline Tex

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Re: Blackwood Vinduro (Vic.) on August 30 - 31, 2014
« Reply #45 on: August 26, 2014, 02:28:32 pm »
Pre-entry has now closed, but interested riders are more than welcome to enter at the event.

Tex

Offline Tex

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Re: Blackwood Vinduro (Vic.) on August 30 - 31, 2014
« Reply #46 on: August 27, 2014, 10:36:23 pm »
VERi Club Secretary Drakie reports that the course is looking good (please don't mention the fact that he may have had a slight spill while marking out parts of the course today  ;)). He reports that conditions should be perfect by the weekend.

We'll be handing out some goodies donated by event sponsors Wurth and Discount Motorcycle Wreckers, most likely at the riders briefing on Sunday morning. We'll draw the winner of the free VERi event entry at the same time.

Directions

Turn off the Western Freeway (M8) at the Blackwood/Greendale exit, onto the Greendale-Myrniong Road (C318). Follow this road to Greendale where there’s a T intersection, with the Greendale Pub on the right. Turn right here and continue on Greendale Trentham Forest Road (also C318) towards Blackwood.

Distance from Greendale to Blackwood is approximately 10.7 km.

Once in Blackwood turn left into Simmons Reef Road (there’s a cafe on the corner), and then take the first right into Recreation Reserve Road. The Parc Ferme is a short distance down this road.

Distances and times to Blackwood provided by Google Maps (don’t blame me if they’re wrong):

* From Melbourne (via M8): 88.9 km / 1 hr 6 mins
* From Ballarat (via M8): 59.3 km / 43 mins
* From Bendigo (via Calder Fwy): 103 km / 1 hr 25 mins
* From Geelong:  88.4 km / 1 hr 13 mins
* From Ararat: 150 km / 1 hr 42 mins
* From Horsham:  245 km / 2 hr 55 mins



Tex
« Last Edit: August 28, 2014, 10:07:51 am by Tex »

Offline The Wombat

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Re: Blackwood Vinduro (Vic.) on August 30 - 31, 2014
« Reply #47 on: August 31, 2014, 05:32:00 pm »
Well another VERi Enduro Completed  ;D

This 1 was tougher than Harrow ( Totally opposite terrain ) it was like 3bridges on steriods :P

My Lil PE175 had 2 work its butt off, with the Help of Canam & GMC I completed the course.

I have said it b4 and I will say it again, the boots of 2day are bloody horrible. It was with reluctance that I wore my 5yo brandnew boots today, as my old Alpine Stars / Roger De Costas have finally had there day. After the cold start it was apparent that I could not shift up, so out came the 10mm and the G/lever was raised. Next came actually trying to select gears & feeling the pegs thru these storm trooper boots. After a few false nuetrals the changes were at least happening. Pretty soon we approached Hill climb #1, I was like oh sh*t as a few bikes were stuck 1/2 way up. I thought nup with these rock hard boots I am not gunna be able to hit 2nd or I will hit Nuetral and stuff it. so after much deliberating I went for it, but no surprise I botched it and had to com back down. with other route available Canam strolled down and went hell for leather and got it up there, Thanx brudda  ;)

after this the ride took shape lotsa bogs, 1 of which saw me do an impression of jimbo in not so clear water  :P

after some help from Tex's mate with the Ct110 I was off again, only to hit a fire trail which had a large boulder just piercing the surface this with a wet muddy front tyre = another endo as the front just washed out. Surely that was it for the day ::) but wait there was more a dodgy rut / water crossing that ressmbled a broken bridge stole my front wheel, when I dismounted to lift it out I stood on a board which was only floating on the surface, resulting in PE & I taking a seat  ;D ;D it was freakin deep. with the trusty mate at my side the bike was uprighted as was the owner and I ploughed on.

Again the bogs and terrain were gr8, but around a left bend on an incline was another Hill Climb, This time Humpty Dumpty was sitting on a log Vidoeing the the voilent decline that was rutted and rocky that bottomed out only too follow on the incline on the otherside.
It was too late I was 1/4 of the way down the hill so I stopped and procrastinated my options, there was only 1 option Down & the up.down was fine but again the PE and my lack of ability only made it so far, step in my other rider MR GMC  ( this guy can actually Ride ) although my clutch was worked O/T he piloted the PE to the landing. Thanks Geoff  :)

With the 2 monster hills behind us the rest of the ride was xlnt and achievable and as Murph and Geoff said a lil more tweaking and the PE will be better ( Gearing & new muffler ) so I will work on that.

Itwas a Gr8 day with a Gr8 Turnout thanks to Drakey, Poppy, Barb, Juz, Colin & all the people who put it on. Big thanks to My Sponsor Discount Motorcycle Wreckers who keeps me on track & trail  ;D

Offline kdx Geoff

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Re: Blackwood Vinduro (Vic.) on August 30 - 31, 2014
« Reply #48 on: August 31, 2014, 05:46:09 pm »


This is the hill a few k's from the start that slowed a few blokes up, me included  ;D

Great day, loved the terrain and getting used to the 50km loop lengths.

Thanks to all the people that put the effort in to make these rides possible  :)

Cheers

Geoff

Buying kdx air cooled drum brake unitrak bikes and parts

Offline Canam370

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Re: Blackwood Vinduro (Vic.) on August 30 - 31, 2014
« Reply #49 on: August 31, 2014, 05:58:50 pm »
As I sit typing I realise even my fingers are tired! Pushing people up hills, pushing myself up hills........an excellent trail ride! Lots of variety in the terrain -  puddles, bogs, ruts, dust, roller coaster trails, rocks, logs, slick clay, loam, decent hills, indecent drops, technical bits. Had it all! The route was set to challenge the casuals and be fun for the regular riders with some skills. Nothing nasty or fearsome but certainly enough to gain your attention so you couldn't be half-arsed about commiting! Well done to the organisers.
« Last Edit: August 31, 2014, 06:06:40 pm by Canam370 »
WANTED. Canams;all models,complete or parts.SWM stuff too!

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Offline The Wombat

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Re: Blackwood Vinduro (Vic.) on August 30 - 31, 2014
« Reply #50 on: August 31, 2014, 07:13:08 pm »
we picked up a couple of new converts who were in town for a look around and were beside themselves with excitement and left planning to get old bikes and join up..

Did u mention my XR200RC project to them  ;D hahahahaa

Offline fred99999au

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Re: Blackwood Vinduro (Vic.) on August 30 - 31, 2014
« Reply #51 on: August 31, 2014, 07:16:20 pm »
Yep, 100% agree with all of the above comments. I only got 1 lap in, but my mate on the PE175 and Me on his brothers XT250 had a ball. (yeah I forked up and my IT400 rego expired last Wednesday. Vicroads not open on Saturday when I discovered it)

I thought that the course was tough, but fair and I really don't need to see another 2 foot 6 deep bog again. Ever. I took a swim in the one about 4.5KM from the start. I picked the right line but just couldn't ride it.

I think I had the right mirror above water and a bit of the tank. I pushed it a bit further out and was able to turn it over then start it much to my delight.

Am absolutely rooted now after a couple of beers and a soak in the tub with some radox and a couple of Voltaren for a condition which shall now be named as Geoffeys XT250 Kicker Leg.

Thanks to all involved in getting this up and running, it was a good turn out and a great atmosphere as every vinduro I have attended so far has been.

Actually, that says a lot and it will a pain in the arse if Vicroads decide that a full roadworthy certificate is required for club reg with these events. I'd love to be involved in a co-ordinated effort to get them to change their thinking especially after they have allowed Rec Reg into events like these.

Offline 80-85 husky

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Re: Blackwood Vinduro (Vic.) on August 30 - 31, 2014
« Reply #52 on: August 31, 2014, 08:45:16 pm »
XR200 :o hell no, we want them to join up 8) would have been an ideal steed there today...especially that special test with that mine shaft in the middle of it...wasn't ready for that

Offline Tex

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Re: Blackwood Vinduro (Vic.) on August 30 - 31, 2014
« Reply #53 on: August 31, 2014, 10:00:59 pm »
I was really looking forward to this one, as I've never ridden around Blackwood, and I wasn't disappointed. It was a really challenging course, there was nowhere that you could just coast along, you had to be on the ball 100% of the time.

I had a pretty charmed time of it, and didn't fall off or get bogged at all, though I did do "only" one lap. My brother and I stuck together, and it was reassuring to know you had someone on hand if you made a mess of some of the hill climbs, creek crossings and/or bog holes. Like I said though, no dramas for either of us, and my XT250 cheerfully chugged up all of the hills and through the deep muddy bits.

A dodgy knee that was acting up badly by the time we got back after one lap meant I decided to be sensible and call it a day.

Quote
after some help from Tex's mate with the Ct110
That's 125 mate, don't rob him of any horsepower he needs all he can get! He did two laps on that CT today.

The dozen or so blokes sitting around in the kitchen of the school camp building on Saturday night, drinking beers and talking 'til late was a highlight too. Great atmosphere,and some funny stories.

Thanks to the stig for the bashplate, you're a true gentleman.

And of course a big thank you to all of the people who made today's event such a success, and the sponsors Discount Motorcycle Wreckers and Wurth.

Anyone got any photos? 

Tex

Offline Luffy

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Re: Blackwood Vinduro (Vic.) on August 30 - 31, 2014
« Reply #54 on: September 01, 2014, 06:18:14 am »
Well yes this was a great way to spend a Sunday, the condition perfect and great guys to ride with, and the hills sensationable. Yes well done to Drakey and the team at veri for a great day riding in amazing country side. Hope we can set this up next year. luffy.

Offline the stig

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Re: Blackwood Vinduro (Vic.) on August 30 - 31, 2014
« Reply #55 on: September 01, 2014, 10:34:02 am »

     What a great Weekend Both Weather Wise and Smile Wise . Every one had a Big Grin on there Face
     From when they arrived and saw the great Set up the People of Blackwood had Offered us to use for
     the Weekend..
     First Up we were Based at the Local Sports Oval Just a Gear change out of Town .
     2 tennis Courts were to serve as Park Ferme for the weekend and over Night.
     A short walk across a river Led to the Sports Oval that had the best Shower and Toilet Facility's I have
     seen in a country town .
     The Local Special School gave us the use off 2 off there buildings with 7 rooms and 3 or 4 bunk beds
     to a room and plenty of  good Parking...
     And all within a 1  1/2 hour drive from Melbourne ... 
     All 63 Starters said it was a Fantastic Weekend Both  on the Trail Loop and the Social Side of It ..
     With Comment like The ( best event yet. ) ( Better than Harrow )( That's How Enduro's Used to be )
     
     Thank's  Drakey and V.E.R.I  for a great weekend..
 
       The Stig
     

Offline 80-85 husky

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Re: Blackwood Vinduro (Vic.) on August 30 - 31, 2014
« Reply #56 on: September 01, 2014, 10:42:29 am »
I was all set for a 2 minute special test time....but the go pro ran out of juice(didn't show the missed corner, reverse flick and lean up against a tree  ;D)

Offline GMC

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Re: Blackwood Vinduro (Vic.) on August 30 - 31, 2014
« Reply #57 on: September 01, 2014, 12:21:33 pm »
Despite being a tough course everyone had a smile on their dial
Knowing that you have completed something challenging gives you a sense of achievement as opposed to just riding around in a flat paddock.
Although I didn’t ride a full loop the bits a did see looked fantastic, it wasn’t grueling the whole way, just short bits of technical stuff here and there that made you think (and huff and puff)

I kept taking shortcuts to try and get ahead of the guys to catch them on film ( I didn’t enter the event) but I kept missing the early riders as a few of them were scooting around at a good pace.
I have 34 short video’s I have to edit now and then try and work out this Youtube thing, it’s probably going to take me a few weeks. I watched them last night, spewing the guy that cartwheeled is a bit out of focus ;D

All loaded for the journey to Blackwood!



All loaded for the journey from Blackwood!



I was too busy socializing to get to the special test in time on the Sat. everyone had finished by the time I got there, all except Spanish Armada who still had energy to dance



Many thanks to Barb and the Stig who worked tirelessly doing administration work all day
The club would be lost without members like you.

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Offline GMC

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Re: Blackwood Vinduro (Vic.) on August 30 - 31, 2014
« Reply #58 on: September 01, 2014, 12:28:22 pm »
Parc Ferme just before the start



The eager crowd at Riders brief



Lots of goodies handed out at riders briefing many thanks to Wurth and Discount motorcycle Wreckers
plus our raffle for entry to our next event was drawn too



Peter Sutcliffe (XT 250) conquers the first creek crossing

« Last Edit: September 01, 2014, 02:08:38 pm by GMC »
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Offline GMC

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Re: Blackwood Vinduro (Vic.) on August 30 - 31, 2014
« Reply #59 on: September 01, 2014, 01:16:37 pm »
Steven Rushbrook  XT 550



Nick VanDerZand  TT 250



Andrew Randall IT 250 (upright and healthy ;D)

« Last Edit: September 01, 2014, 02:12:42 pm by GMC »
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