Cobaw 28th June 08

Well, my first ride as a lead and it went off fairly well. We met up as planned at the BP servo just past Calder Park. Set out in convoy and it looked pretty good with all the cars with bikes in tow together.

We got to Cobaw just after 1:00 and got busy unloading the bikes. Russell had got there earlier and gone out for a little exploration before meeting up with us just as we were ready to head out. A brief on the cornerman system, delegation of tailman to Darren and a tailman buddy to Tom and we were set to go.

First few tracks were open forest tracks, and I found myself kept fairly busy trying to make sure all the corners were marked. I was trying to set an easy pace but with the trail ahead wide open I tried the throttle wide open as well. After a short time I slowed it down from WRF back to DRZ pace (my old ride) and in a short time had a regroup to see how thing were going. Everyone seemed happy with the pace so we kept on.

Cobaw is not big and I soon found I had hit the edge of the forest, I tried to loop around but after a few back tracks found myself leading them out an exit road. We regrouped, spun around 180 and headed back in to the forest. All was going well, so when I saw a harder looking track decided to take it.

Not long into the track and I realised I may have bitten off more than I could chew. It was steep and rocky and I knew some of the group may find it tough going. Found a place to stop and headed back down the hill to see what sort of mess I had got everyone into.

To my surprise all were having a go and handling the climb pretty well. Those having some trouble were getting help and after a bit of push and shove we got all the bikes to the top.

Or so I thought, as a bit further on it got tough again. But the group kept it working together everyone was still giving it a go. That was the worst of the uphill and a less demanding but still challenging downhill followed. Proving what goes up must come down, some with quite warm front discs.

Russell had offered to lead for a while earlier in day, so since it was now later in the day I handed the leaders yellow jersey over to him (since he had also recce'd the ride out to make sure there were no more surprises).

Full credit to everyone who took it in their stride, helping out where needed but more important (to me anyway) was that they all gave it a go.

Back out on some easier trail and we headed for a main forest road for a bit of relief. Regrouping after another tricky, but thankfully short, uphill section Julian noticed that the Cobaw mice had gnawed their way through the top of the timing case on his DRZ.

I elected to go with him back to the cars, as even though there is no oil to leak I didn't want to see any mud or water get in and do damage. Jim also rode back to the cars with us along the forest road while Russell took the rest back to the cars by the scenic route.

After getting Julian back to his car I waited till Russell returned. Once back some had to load up and high tail it out, it was already the scheduled return time. A few headed out for another short loop with Russell while Jim and I took a tour of the forest. We got back around the same time and loaded up for the return home.

All in all it worked well, and everyone seemed happy by the ride end. The group really did work well together and liked the short afternoon blast format. So I will looking at my calendar to see when I can get out to Cobaw again.

Rider List

Mat R WR426F (ride lead/organiser)
Russell P KTM450 (ride co-lead)
Jim M WR450F
Sue E KTM250
Julian T DRZ250 (mice attacked)
Darren L KTM400 (tailman)
Craig C CRF250
Andrie dV TC250
Tom C KTM450EXC (Tail buddy and First Aid carrier)
Michael G KTM250SX
Scott E WR450F
Michael S CRF250

Thanks guys, had a blast. See you there next ride.

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