Hi guys,
We have to keep sight of why we started Vinduros and be careful to ensure their survival and the original aims Steve Juzva and I set out with at our first event at Castella in 2007. Our concept has worked.
Firstly, these events are non competitive events on old pre 1985 enduro bikes. They are for enthusiasts who rode the tough events in the '70s and '80s and also for those who didn't ride them but appreciate the variety and quirkiness of the old iron. We are aiming to recreate the look and feel of earlier events with the overnight impound in the Parc Ferme, the ‘cold start test’, 1A-1B-1C – three riders per minute, three man teams, rider time cards, flip cards/clocks, check in/check out, route checks and special tests with times kept for your own personal use.
Secondly, these events have to be rideable for all skill levels but still a challenge to get around. To that end, I have asked the organisers to create challenging courses that will make the faster riders think and yet let the slower riders through with some perseverance.
Thirdly, once you have finished the loop you should feel a sense of achievement in completing it and have spent enough time on your bike to understand its strengths and weaknesses and pushed your physical boundaries too. The course was always ‘sight unseen’ and riders had to deal with obstacles and challenges as they came upon them.
Fourth, enduros have never been for the enthusiast with the mega spec bike he doesn’t want to get dirty. These bikes are best kept for displays and to let us marvel at their beauty. A truth is that most enduro rider’s bikes were less than perfect as they were thrashed for hours. Vinduro should also aim to provide a challenge for casual riders who would normally be happy riding around a paddock.
Notes/thoughts about the above:
1. You have to love old enduro/trail bikes.
2. As numbers increase we need to ensure that bikes are pre 1985 and fitted with a working headlight, tailight and a quiet muffler.
3. We need to work towards all bikes licenced to Rec. Rego standards so we can use longer loops in the State forests.
4. This is not just a 'drag out your old VMX bike and stick a modern headlight and a red postage stamp on the mx rear guard' event. Get into the spirit. Convert it to Rec. Rego spec.
5. Keep it pre 1985, as by then (in fact by 1981) bikes were ergonomically similar to modern bikes. The easiest bikes to ride in the bush are the pre 1980 ones with decent suspension travel and manageable seat heights.
6. Perfectly restored bikes are encouraged but the nature of enduros means they will get more wear and tear than mx. There is nothing better than seeing a mint bike in the pits, and it’s understandable if you don’t want to ruin it. Competitive enduro bikes have always been a bit ratty and there is no shame in riding an old ‘beater’.
7. Course bottlenecks are to be avoided and organizers have never set out to create stoppers. But invariably it happens so chill out and wait for it to clear or pitch in and help the less experienced through.
8. Modern bikes should not ride the course, unless carrying photographers and the only moderns should have an ‘M’ for marshal and help out riders who are stuck or broken down.
9. Random prize/product give-aways to emphasise the fun aspect.
As for Harrow, the river crossing was a mistake. It rose so fast in the four days I was there I hoped it would disappear as fast, but it sure will fuel a lot of campfire yarns in the future. Next year, the start will on the other side of the river where there is a bit more usable land.
I'm told riders have been grizzling about the event but if anyone has any gripes let me know so I can address them.
The meal break at Harrow was to give the start/finish checkpoint personnel a rest, but is not usual.
See you at Benalla, Sept 27th. Go to
www.dvmcc.com.au for details and the forms.
Cheers,
D.
