Although not an AMTRA event, round 2 of the Vintage Enduro Series was hosted by the Oakleigh motorcycle Club at Three Bridges, just outside of Yarra Junction.
Given the rain we had on the Saturday, it was not looking hopful for a 'clean' event, but with money paid and anticipation running wild, it was off to Three Bridges for my first Vinduro.
Pat and I arrived pretty early, so we walked around to the staging point, where I bumped into Mick (from Endurobiketalk forum), which suprised me a bit 'cos he said he wasn't coming down. Mick, like others, was booked in to do the Transmoto 12 Hour, and with that event postponed, he decided to head down south. Just as well that he did, otherwise we wouldn't be enjoying the photos he's taken! Anyway, Mick introduced me to Dewy and Rookie (EBT forum regulars), and I introduced myself to a couple of other guys from that forum.
Formalities complete, it was time for scruitineering and riders breifing.....and off! This was only the second time I have ridden out on my PE, so it took a LOT of time getting used to it on the slippery (did I mention slippery?) circuit. Traction was not to be found anywhere (by me), and direction was an arbitary term used to explain the way your bike chose to go, having no relevance to the way you wanted it to go! The circuit was layed out through a local apple orchard, with one long hill-climb weaving back and forward on itself. I took a couple of those switch back corners quite well (even if I say so myself), only to find myself facing the direction I had just come! WTF? That wasn't part of the plan! Still, we ploughed on and made it round the first (short) loop. I took a quick breather and went out for lap 2. This lap was worse than my first! I spun-out, slipped-out and dropped-out too many times, my body weight increasing with every kilo of mud that was added to my riding gear. After lap 2, I headed for the car, stripped off some gear and sat there....knackered to the power of infinity!
I wasn't keen, but I went out again. Plenty of other guys were reveling in the conditions, so it must be 'do-able'. I was wrong! Lap 3 was another disaster, but the PE was willing so we piloted her around to the end. Another short break and it was time for lap 4. This was (marginally) better, as the PE and I started to understand each other. I still found the whole 2-stroke thing a bit daunting, but we made it. Lap 5 saw me done! I was stuffed, and ready to call it a day before I hurt myself. Pat put in about 8 laps of the full loop, but also had a few 'moments' in the slippery conditions. Happy that I had gone around enough times without damage to man or machine, I pulled the pin, got changed and enjoyed a fizzy, adult refreshment.
Ryan and the Oakleigh club had put on a great event. The potential is there for some fantastic loops (in drier conditions for me please), but all that I spoke to had a good, if not exhausting time. Good to chat with the EBT boys afterwards, and now looking forward to spending some more 'quality' time with the old girl before the next event.
Photos courtesy of Mick (Endurobike talk)
