Rose colored classes indeed. A few things to consider. Dungog has large mountains= very big hills.
Cost it costs a bloody lot to do the 4 day say around 4k + bike. Old bikes break all the time new bikes break at the 4 day= unlikely to finish.Old blokes on old bikes go last at the 4day so the ruts are bar deep and the whooops endless. You would need deep full pockets and to be so over prepared that you old bike would need to be better than new. I hope you finish and enjoy yourselfs.
So you're not in then?
The hills haven't gotten any bigger, so that's not really a problem.
A fully rebuilt old bike is basically new; obviously you need to prepare the bike well if you want to finish. (Husky 400's are pretty reliable and easy to ride)
Fair comment about ruts and whoops when starting last. It's something I've been considering, you don't necessarily have to enter in the 'Veterans' (35+) or 'Masters' (45+) classes you could enter in E1,2 or 3. But to gain a real benefit you would want to ride in the E1 class. These young guys don't roll over anything, its just wind on the throttle and dig a big rut.
So if you prepare the bike well you come face to face with the biggest hurdle - the preparation of the body, for anyone that hasn't tackled a 4 day before you need to be extremely fit. For those that have you know all about how tough is gets to get out of bed each morning. The good news is that its in August so there is plenty of time to train (not to put off starting, but to get fit
) and there are many rounds of the AORC and hopefully the NSW series prior to the A4DE to assess your ride fitness and bike preparation for that matter. This year in NSW, you could trail ride the series (inc AORC rounds) for less cost if you wanted to, which would be good for practice, unless a plastic trophy is important to you.
As for money - what was the entry fee this year? Why leave it for the kids to spend when you're gone?
