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Title: craigs beginner ride Post by: David Smith on January 21, 2007, 06,12:09 AM Toolangi
21/11/2006 Craig has asked me give do a write up on his ride. The assembled group of six met at the potato farm entrance on the Myers Creek Rd at Toolangi on a very brisk Sunday morning about 10 am. A ranger stopped by to warn us of an increased police presence in the area. Craig then gave us a talk about bike setup,tyre pressures and the corner marker system. We left at 10.20 down past the potato farm and turned right at the closed gate. We wound our way down towards Chum Creek Rd, with a short stop in between to check tyres again and see if anyting had fallen off. We soon left and came upon Chum Creek Rd and turned right. A short distance up the road we turned left down Scout Camp Rd which becomes Old Chum Creek Rd on the map. The tracks were quite dusty as expected, but with a small group it was ok. We wound our way over to Paul's Range and onto Ridge Track. There were a few steep bits here and there but everyone handled them ok, although I must admit the 60 kg or so lighter CRF 230s would have been a bit more fun than my DR650. Craig said he did not notice any gnarly bits on his new DRZ400! We eventually up on the Toolangi Rd and did a short transport to the magnificent new Toolangi Tavern(free lunch please). Cam left after lunch due to family commitments, Allison and Caz left due to Caz's broken toe starting to hurt (tough lady)! So we were down to 3. Going back through Toolangi we had a licence check (only after lights and siren pullover, a bit over the top methinks). We continued up Spraggs Rd then right up Downies Track. Matthew then started having gear selection problems on his KTM and we decided to call it quits. We got back to the car at 2.30, Matthew drove back to Drouin and Craig led me on another devious route back to Chum Creek Rd then back to Mooroolbark.All in all a good day by everyone and thanks Craig for a well planned ride. All I need now is something a hell of a lot lighter! Apologies if any track names were wrong, as my concentration was all on staying upright. Participants: Craig Dawson (ride leader) Suzuki DRZ400 Matthew Uray KTM 620 Cam Taylor Suzuki DR 650 Caz Carton Honda CRF 230 Allison Goodall Handa CRF 230 Ian Taylor (rear rider) Suzuki DR 650 Ian Taylor |