Not an AMTRA ride, but others set a precedent by doing a ride report on previous years' rides, so I figured it wouldn't hurt...
It was a last minute decision to take my newly restored TT600 along to the Three Bridges Vinduro - the write-ups have the Vinduros pegged as fun events, and this one was so close to home (near Yarra Junction) that it was impossible to resist!
Firstly I rang Ryan, who was the contact for the event to make sure my TT was allowed to enter. The bikes are meant to be restricted to a build date of 12/84 or earlier, and mine was a bit newer than that, and had a front disc fitted. Ryan said it would be fine, as the TT was pretty much the same bike right through the 80's. At least mine looked like an '83 model now with it's black seat and decals.
I then spent a few hours yesterday 'prepping' the bike and trying to set the correct carby float level, as it was tending to flood and stall on downhill braking sections.
I also found some old bark-busters that would fit onto the earlier style handlebars, and put on a 13 tooth front sprocket to make it nicer to ride in the tighter stuff.
We arrived at the venue a bit later than planned, to find that the driveway was chock-a-block full of parked cars and bike trailers. We managed to squeeze in and wandered up to sign on for the ride. The queue of people waiting to sign on was large and didn't seem to be moving, but eventually I managed to reach the front, paid my fee, and was given a tag to be punched off for each completed lap.
I took the bike off the trailer, and then spent 15 minutes trying to get it started - not a great way to begin the ride! Guess my carby float level still needs some tweaking!
After finally cranking the 600 to life we went up to scrutineering, and then listened to the riders briefing where the rules and regs were explained.
Then we were given the go-ahead to start the ride. Smoke haze filled the air along with the ping-ping of early 2-strokes and the rumble of the ancient 4-bangers (thankfully the TT fired up easily this time).
The bikes were sent off one at a time, and the 10km loop was pretty much perfect – a nice loamy red soil that still had a hint of moisture in it to keep the dust down.
I had ridden the YZ just last weekend, so to suddenly jump onto this heavy, softy-suspended torque monster in a proper bush environment was a bit of a shock for me. The term 'beached whale' sprang to mind, but to be fair to the bike, I haven't yet got around to rebuilding the rear shock, so it is a little more spongy in the back end than it would normally be from new.
The track flowed well, and the other riders were courteous and moved out of the way when they heard the TT arrive behind them. I tried to repay the courtesy when required (there were a couple of fast IT250's out there). Sadly, there were a few bikes parked here and there on the side of the track as the reliability of some of these old machines was tested beyond their limits.
I initially clocked up 5 laps and had a quick lunch break, then did another 3 laps before the arms started to feel like they needed a rest. After another short break, I headed out for 3 more loops before finishing the day with a total of 11.
I was pretty stoked - after it's initial starting problem, the TT behaved itself and I got to spend the day running around with a bunch of old-style bikes.
Some pics (sorry they are mostly of the TT)
The pit paddock as the bikes are fired up ready for the ride.
Joining the queue ready for the start of the first loop.
The TT can still fly...
...but gee it lands HARD!!!
The weather and track conditions were perfect.
Of course it is an '83 model - didn't they have disc brakes too?
Lots of torque on tap!
