AMTRA.com.au

L1 training ride AM. L2+ in the Afternoon. This will be my last MAJOR ride in this area until the rains and the dusts settles in Autumn. Meet at the DSE Latrobe River Rd Trail Bike unloading Sunday the 6th of December (Named-LATROBE TVA on map)area 8.30am for 9am start onto the trails. BYO lunch, Rec Reg welcome. Fuel for at least 140Km. Will regroup about 1pm, the 80ish Km mark for refuel and lunch (BYO) at the cars this will assist smaller tank bikes, the thirsty big bores and the two strokes. Also provides a decision point as the ride will step up to L2 in the afternoon. This ride has three options you can come for the morning or afternoon only or for the whole day just meet me in the car park  and sign the attendance log to join the ride. Also the car park has mobile reception with most companies.

Directions head to Drouin on M1 then from M1 aka Princess Hwy exit left after the 110 zone starts onto Mt Baw Baw/Neerim South exit are head to Drouin i.e. Robin Hood Hotel and navigate your way onto the C426  the Main Neerim Rd, follow signs to Neerim South.
At Neerim South TR at roundabout (onto Neerim East Rd) and continue just past the Caravan Park TR onto Latrobe River Rd. Follow signs to trail bike unloading area (Called Latrobe TVA on DSE map)

If your coming from the Lillydale side of town through Yarra Junction TR before Noojee to Neerim South. At Neerim South TL at roundabout (onto Neerim East Rd) and continue just past the Caravan Park TR onto Latrobe River Rd. Follow signs to trail bike unloading area (Called Latrobe TVA on DSE map)
If your coming and for more directions (see attached Latrobe TVA map) contact Brad 0428580900

Hi Brad,
Can you put me down for the afternoon ride and if you need a hand in the morning I would be happy to help.   
Cheers,
Gary C

Clarky need observers in the morning for instructional feedback on the riders. This requires riding behind the riders to observe there position, hands and skills to provide feedback. If you could do this its appreciated.

Hi, Brad

can you put me down for the afternoon ride, and if you need a hand for the morning i can help. cheers Michael

 ;D OK Michael, December is going to be a bit of a wait

Hi Brad,
I would like to ride on the morning ride if ok with you and Fred will come along too & be my shadow & give you a hand in the training if you like (that's if I survive Pete's Eildon ride the week earlier?)
Looking forward to it...
Cheers,
Marls :D

Ok Marls Hope to see you and Fred there.

Gday could you put me down for that ride please. I need all the help I can get......

Thanks
Lance

Hi Brad,

Im not an AMTRA member, but am very interested in joining and coming on regular rides.

Im going today to pick up the dirt wheels for my WR250R/X, and will have limited experience on the dirt with my bike, so id like to come on the ride and get used to my bike and the trails if that's ok.

Do i need to pay anything or register in any way before i come?

Thanks very much,

Rod.

Rod,
All you have to do is turn up and let me know like you have that your are coming. There is no price although your the second person today to mention this. When I was at the bike shop late this evening they suggested that we should charge people to attend rides. I looked at them stupid and replied "say what?" that's not the idea of riding together!

Dear Dr Brad
I was just wondering if you have a Certified Certification Certificate for your Training purposes. If you require one , please don't hesitate to call this No 0433589342 and leave a message stating your requirements, and i'm sure they will not get back too you.

I think I have pretty much stated this as information sharing session dedicated for beginners, my certificate is the same as all AMTRA club members who do this and are willing to relate their experiences as the Eildon ride is set up to do.
You have been busy yesterday Pete a few posts to catch up on!

This session is aimed to assist with clarifying the basics and building confidence to help people get going and get out there at their own level.
It will not replace the need for practice and formal rider training.

Agenda for the L1 training is as follows:(Please note that no changes to bikes are expected to be made on the day unless you think its absolutely necessary)

1- When you arrive unload and prep your bikes but don't gear up as we are going the spend the first part of the session going over the basics in the hut.

2-Basics: Ride gear: Helmet, Goggles, Boots, Body Armor, Knee Guards, Neck, Knee and Wrist Braces, Inner wear clothing, Outerwear clothing
Ride equipment: Back pack, Fender bag, Tool bag and storage.
Bike tools: What is required to get home, be self sufficient.

3-Basic bike setups for trail riding: Stripping it down, Gearing, Handle Bars, Leavers, Breather pipes, Protection in key areas, Ride height, Suspension, tubes and valves, tyres, Foot leavers Gear and Brake.

4-Basic Maintenance: Oil, Air Filter, Chain, Coolant, Bearings, Suspension

5-Basic Riding positions and ride techniques: Riding sitting and standing, hands and arms, legs and feet.

6-Getting ready to ride Bike Prep: Chain tension, Bearing wobble, Tyre condition, Tyre pressure, Coolant, Fuel.

7-Rider briefing and cornerman system explained.

8-Gear up and Practice: Head out on the trails to practice one thing at a time with a buddy observer to provide feedback on the following:
Riding seated
Riding standing
Hand position and coordination
Feet coordination
Braking
Acceleration
Cornering
Terrain Management: Where to look, Picking the line, Track conditions, Bumps, Ruts, Wash aways, Sand, Uphills and Downhills.

9-Two way feedback discussion finishing the session back at the car park.

10-Tips: Ride safety (group size and injuries), Ride within yourself, Large group ride management, Liquids and Food, Summer vs Winter riding, Weather, other ride locations and clubs.

Whilst its all fresh in your mind it may pay to write down some notes at the end within 20mins of the session finishing.

Brad - please put me down for this one please  :) 

Cheers
David

Got you down David

Brad, im keen to come along in the afternoon.
Regards Daniel

Ok Daniel

after only ever  riding 250 s a 450 has put me back to level 1 will b ther 4 morn and aft ride thanks brad

Count me in as well Brad..I'm up for the arvo ride,but will probably be early enough for the morning ride if you need a hand..

OK guys got you down and whats the Rat up to these days?

Hey Bradels, How many riders are you up to?
At this stage, count me in for L2+ arvo ride.

Ok Marc

Brad,
    put me down for the afternoon ride.I will let you know if plans change.
                   thanks Karl ( Husky 450 )
                         

Hi Brad,

Can you please put me down for the afternoon ride + 1 guest.

Thanks

David P (Zeke)

Tourist season is starting to kick in down here,so he's flat out trimming hedges and the like..I'll get on to him and see if he can afford a day off.

im IN, if there is a spot..i need to get away from work..wife points are at an alltime high , so im keen(allowed)to go...ill come up with milktoast ,so i can help in the morning if needed...

Ok were all good no issues with numbers so far and Ratter can lead the afternoon section on the beast if he wants? I will hand over the maps and go tail man.

If Kikka is in, I am there.

 ::) ::)...me with maps,,errr,,,i dont think so..

Count me in please.

Ok Greg

BTW it looks like some folks are going for a L2 ride in the morning whilst the L1 training is on. It will be lead by Clarkie from 9am to 12.30pm returning to the cars to join the others for a L2+ ride in the arvo. If you want to go be at the DSE car park on Latrobe River Rd at 8.30 for a 9am start.


Melbourne Forecast for Sunday

Partly cloudy. Isolated showers. Winds northwest to southwesterly averaging 10 to 20 km/h tending south to southwesterly during the evening.
City
Shower or two developing.
Min 15 Max 23


Latrobe Valley Forecast for Sunday

Partly cloudy. A shower or two. Winds west to northwesterly averaging 10 to 20 km/h.
Precis:
Shower or two.
Min 11 Max 24


Hope this long range forecast holds or even better drops by another five degrees. All in all looks like a great day for riding but then any day that's not stinking HOT is!

gday Brad, just a quick question,

2-Basics: Ride gear: Helmet, Goggles, Boots, Body Armor, Knee Guards, Neck, Knee and Wrist Braces, Inner wear clothing, Outerwear clothing
Ride equipment: Back pack, Fender bag, Tool bag and storage.
Bike tools: What is required to get home, be self sufficient.

do we have to have all of this things to come on the ride, or is it just what we'll be talking about and what we should buy in future..

Thanks mate,

Rod.

Rod,
The Law says all you need is a helmet, license and a registered bike. The gear listed is to give an idea of whats available. However as a minimum I would stongly recommend  goggles, gloves, boots, knee/shin guards and pants in that order. After one decent off you probably will wish you had body armor and the outer war style is economical at around $150, then comes the backpack, jacket, tools etc...........(Christmas presents!)
I know that this adds up to an expensive list but it lasts for a fair while and is a good investment vs time nursing injuries or being stranded in the bush with a broken bike.
The training day is aimed to create basic skills with easy trail riding so you shouldn't need to much what do you have at the moment?

Ah beaut, yeh mate  i have all the standard safety gear, plus shinnies and pants with armour in them (depending on the weather:P:P), an armour suit has been on the wishlist for a while :P

In terms of tools/spares mate i know where branching off topic here so happy to talk to ya on sundy, but any specific tools to bring mate, as im a complete newbie at preparing for a day offroad,

Thanks mate,

Rod.

Rod,
Hold off on the tools until we do the training as the session will help you with ideas which generally change over time. Bring a small back pack and some water in either a couple of 500ml bottles or a water bladder if you can.

Hey Bradels, I can't make the ride 'cos I rode at Cobaw last weekend.

My balls have been confiscated (again) !!!

oucheeeeeee       :'(

Dam, they must be in the Ice Cream container as the Jar won't hold them as I am told via sources I cannot reveal!

I've been told that if I am a good boy there is a chance that I may get them back for am Xmas present !!

Call me if that happens as I am nearby to join a ride

Somehow this just does not sound right!

I'm keen for all day If I'm good enough.

Latrobe Valley Forecast for Sunday:

Partly cloudy. Isolated showers until late afternoon. Winds mainly southwesterly averaging 15 to 25 km/h, tending northeasterly up to 20 km/h later in the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to around 11 with daytime temperatures reaching 21 to 27.
Latrobe Valley Shower or two Min 10 Max 26


Melbourne Forecast for Sunday:

Partly cloudy. Isolated showers until afternoon. Light winds.
City Partly cloudy Min 13 Max 26

Hi Brad
If you need a hand in the morning, I'm there. Otherwise we can have Clarkie lead the am ride and Clarkie tail the ride

Cheers

Thanks Mark help is wanted and appreciated!

Yeh Brad ,Do you need anymore, Need A ride and have 2 possible members tagging along , both are quick clubman guys and good blokes and will help out if asked

Cheers Rob

Hi Brad

im not an amtra member yet but i am looking at joining
do you have any spots left on the learners ride in the morning as well as the arvo ride if so could you put me down for both and one extra person.

thanks Tim

Tim please come along, do you know where the DSE Latrobe River Rd car park is?

Rob, no worries look forward to seeing you there.
My thinking is I would ideally have one experienced person which each L1 person so the numbers will depend on who turns up. I estimate there will be more experienced riders than level ones the plan is for these extra folks to go on an AM ride lead by Clarkie and then regroup in the arvo for a PM stint across the river.

thanks and yes i have a pretty good idea where it is

Down to 2 Now Brad , So I will see ya there Nancy boy

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See you tomorrow mate.

Your a sad case Brad , How do you know this sh-t . see ya there

Google

Thank you all for attending today's ride. There we 32 people on the ride and 6 people attended the L1 training. I would like to thank the AMTRA members who assisted with the L1 training their experience and knowledge was valuable.
Today's ride was a mixed event with people doing the morning, the afternoon and the days riding as best suited their time. The L1 riders improved as the morning went on and I am impressed with how far they have come. The afternoon riders will remember the river and the steep hill. Well done ALL! I will now leave to others for comments about the day and their experiences?

Gidday Brad,
Fred & I would like to thank you for putting on a great ride with heaps of challenges, in both the morning & afternoon :o . The training was really informative and the on track training given, really helped me (thanks tailman Mark  :)   )
I'm ready for round 4 at Marysville!
Cheers,
Marls

Marline, The downhills and rut's get easier over time as they become familiar, well done!. Also Fred loved your bike and rode it like a Pro, he choose well for the afternoon ride. The riding was a leveler for you both as you guys moved up and along respectively. The ride levels and stretching of skills is what makes us learn and improve as we are challenged do things that are outside our comfort zone. However, once the task is mastered the euphoria one feels grows your confidence two fold and extends our capabilities.
Cheers, Brad

Hi Guys,

Just want to say thanks to everyone for yesterdays ride, was the best fun ive had in a long time. Particularly to Brad for organising the day, great job mate., Mark, Dennis and Tim, for their tips and approachable manner, really made a stranger feel welcome to have a shot guys, thanks.

I was amazed at just spending a couple of hours on the bike how much things click of how things are supposed to feel, or not feel :P as mark may have noticed my near off :P, and loosen up on the bike especially standing up.

Anywho, enough from me, once again thanks so much guys, am very be keen to become a member and do it more often,

Cheers,

Rod.