Fumina 19th December 2009
By Al Mason..
We started the ride with 14 riders, in very light misty rain. My usual first track “Dk’s Mine” track was a little more tricky than usual? With some added fallen trees that made each left or right turn a guess to the last second. Once at the top, I left Rod as corner man and ask Angus to lead the pack down the usual track, whilst I scooted off to look at a new track. This track is very tiring with half a million very deep woops. My exploration paid off, as the new track was a very easy link to the main rd.
Once I arrived at the regroup point, I stood on a mound of dirt to check on the progress of the group coming up the valley. How ever I couldn’t see anything? but I could hear a lot of revving and stalling? Knowing who would be in the front pack with Angus, I thought about what I had done. And made my way back to call the track off and bring them back along the new track.
A few had already pulled the pin and where heading in the direction I had gone. Once I had caught up to the tail man, I led them back to regroup and head count the group. The last 4 finally emerged from the hell, red faced and looking for blood! (Sorry boys!!) After a rest and some name calling (in my direction) we were back under way.
Apart from an awkwardly fallen log after one of my famous bridges, the track was in great shape. This long and very tight track really warms you up, but is an absolute blast! I let a few of the faster blokes past when they caught me and at the end of the track as I cut the last fallen tree with some assistance. The group emerged one by one, red face and looking for blood! (Well I liked the track)
After a breather and enough time for the first timers to question their ride decision, we were back under way along some very nice flowing tracks, bound for the Tanjil West River. Once I had reach and crossed the river I raced to get my helmet off and direct the traffic to the route across the river. How ever I wasn’t quick enough, as the “Flying Midget” was taking the shortest way across. Which also happens to be the deepest? I watched in amassment as his WR turned submarine and plowed on through? And survived! As I then directed the rest to route to take Rob and his new Husberg and a note so tender moment, resulting in the Berg taking a bath. After helping the two of them out, the dewatering began. With the bike been new and the usual hopes of the factory tools fitting, it was discovered that the plug was in very tight and the factory plug spanner was not really up to the task. However by jamming a spanner onto the end of the plug spanner and a fair bit of wriggling the plug was soon out. Once dewatered the Berg soon fired back into life, but the engine oil was looking a little worse for wear.
Once back under way we found one of the usual tracks blocked, so we scooted around through some nice flowing stuff until the next river crossing I had a regroup and check on the Bergs vital signs. The oil to water ratio was not looking good, decision was made to get the Berg home. A slow ride back to the main road for Rob and I as the rest of the boys rolled in. Once back at the main road and directions given I sadly said farewell to Rob and his Berg and headed back.
We were soon back under way and going through one of the best whooped tracks I know, (still doesn’t mean I didn’t get over taken) bringing us to two of the most popular single tracks, and one very famous bridge? At the half way point we stopped for lunch as we were running behind and the usual lunch stop was still another 20ks away. The group seemed to be enjoying the day but were also looking at their watches and discussing if we would get the whole loop done or need to cut it short? “It doesn’t get dark till 8” was the answer from a few of the regulars. Think they knew what was coming up and didn’t want to miss out! After lunch the pace picked up with some nice flowing and quick single track, broken up by some very quick open flowing stuff. Until around 2pm when we reach the river where we normally have lunch.
After showing the first timers the river and explaining that anyone who wanted more of a challenge could come back this way with Nath. Or they could follow me back and we would regroup at the river before making the run for home.
It’s a cool run along the rivers edge and across another lovely bridge into a very long and technical track, that has a very long and obstacle filled hill climb on some extra grippy polished red clay. All was going well until a very rutted turn off around a stump. I let Angus, Nath, Dave and Rod in front but the quite spoken, well manned Rod didn’t make it to far before? Well let’s just say he knew some words to make Rodney Rude blush. So I thought I better head up and see if he could do with a little assistance. As usual the small tree roots covered in Amoral had brought another rider to a Holt, but with an extra pair of hands to push, Rob was back under way. So I climbed back aboard and chased after him, well to the same stupid little, bloody, friggan? You get the idea. After a helping hand I was back under way and Pauly volunteered to help the rest through, I was soon at the top resting with the others. And was very surprised that we didn’t have to wait to long before all these red faced and angry people were with us. (Record still 1.25hrs to get group up not including the failed attempts)
Whilst resting, I split the group into two. Those who wanted more testing stuff. And those who figured I knew my way home. Nath then led six poor souls down the tricky little track to the river, while I lead the others down the tamer and slicker track back to the river.
On arrival Nath’s group were just getting the last two out of the river, with some red faces but smiles this time! After a very brief rest we were homeward bound, and moving at a very good pace. (Seems to happen when you mention HOME) Once all the intersections were complete I let the faster blokes past me as they love this track. However it was long and my blistering pace and a blocked track had me caught up again. Dave did his best to forge through the bush to get around the blockage, but once I could see the Sydney Harbor Bridge. I knew we were getting a bit off course, so I recalled the boys and regrouped at the previous intersection and implanted plan B. This soon had us back into some very fast and flowing tracks home.
After the last river crossing a look of complacence started to appear on some faces. So I decided we couldn’t have that and the crew could do with one more very tight and technical track on the way home. (Figured I should live up to the names they were calling me?) The usually very slick and rutted track was very different in the dry; you could actually pick which rut you slid into for the decent. With every one out and a quick breather in was the final track home. I removed all the leashes and let the boys have a run while I kept the tail man company.
We were back to the cars by about 4:30 with an average of about 120ks under our belts. After most of the cans from the car fridge were snapped up we headed home. Big thanks to Carl for tail man duties all day and to Nath for leading the challenge track. As for the rest, it was one of the best days I've had out there. With a good banter all day and no one caring about my feelings towards the hurtful names you called me? Until the next one, cheers Al.
Ps. I don’t forget and I know some very nasty stuff out there for revenge?
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RIDE LIST.
AL MASON WR250 RIDE LEADER
DAVE LANE YZF450 FIRST AMTRA RIDE
GARY CLARKE CR250R
NATHAN STOTT TE310 ASSISTANT LEADER
PAUL LACY KTM250
DAVE SMTH WR450
ADAM TATLOW CRF450X
CARL WOODS GAS GAS 300 TAIL MAN
CAM STEWART TE310
ROD WAINWRIGHT WR250
DAMIAN KING WR250
SERGE COFFA WR250
ROB COPSEY FE390
ANGUS BOUD GAS GAS 300
