Just after we loaded all the bikes up and headed off we started to get the odd patch of drizzle. It was only slow dribbling - a bit like an AMTRA meeting. Anyway it cleared just as we arrived and stayed clear long enough for me to go for a bit of a bush walk in the forrest
Then the patchy drizzle started up again and Eric the unqualified meteorologist decided that it was not going to get any better and didn't bother getting the bike off the trailer before chucking a u turn and a nice powerslide out of the car park.
The rain had made some of roots across the tracks out to Hawthorn bridge a little skatey. When we got to Hawthorn bridge we were more than a little surprised that one of the guys had forgotten his oil. So he and Dave went back to the cars to get it.
After we'de managed to punch a nice hole in my bag os snakes we headed up Wild Bull track. About half way up it had been dozed. The bare dirt bits were greasy from the rain and the loose stuff on other parts of the surface inspired no confidence either.
As we crossed another road and headed up the next track we were all having to be very careful as the next track had every erosion mound cut into (greasy from the rain) clay. Most people ran wide or off the track at least once.
When we got to Tanjil Bren one of the guys was having some issues with his Husky, so he and his mate scooted off down the road. It was still raining and Pete & Karl were 50/50 I had the deciding vote so we pushed on. Luycky because it stopped raining about 15minutes later.
Heading up some great narrow tracks I ducked just a bit late for one branch which resulted in a new helmet peak being ordered on Monday. Then the red mobile road block in front of me stopped on a hill and decided to get going again in third showering everyone behind him with mud.
After a few more creek crossings and some awsome hills I was starting to get into it and started to pick up my pace a bit. Just as I was thinking what a perfect riding day it was the day turned to poo.
Not to be outdone Karl decided to fall off and bust his helmet peak. When he got back up it was clear that he was not in the best shape. It looked like he had popped his shoulder out so Dave went ahead to get an ambulance and I piled my bags on the ground with Karls and asked him if he could get on the back so I could dink him out.
He got on ever so carefully and we went along in first gear running the smoothest lines on the track. When we got to the top of the hill at Matlock he wanted to keep going so I took him into Woods Point. When he got there the ambo ladies turned up with some of those green stick recorder looking things things full of pethidine. After a few puffs on that he was happy, in fact a little too happy according to the ambo ladies.
While we went and got his bike and other bags and stuff the ladies packied him up ready for the trip to Mansfield and Pete and I told Dave we'd be heading up the road to Neerim South to the cars. Road in these parts means dirt, I suspect that this is mostly because when it snows dirt does not turn into black ice.
Anyway with Karl in good hands off to Mansfield Pete and I managed to get back to Neerim South in pretty good time, load up the bikes and turn around and get back to Woods point just after closing (5.30pm.)
We loaded up his bike and gear and headed home via the Warburton Road. Karl is forunate enough to have two very good sons who when they saw us pull up, came out and pciked up all of his stuff and took it home.
Jake even washed his bike when Karl was at the hospital the next day. As I write this I am waiting to hear from Karl. He has a broken humerus (near where it enters the shoulder joint). Unfortunately where it is may make it impossible to plate and screw it.
What was he doing when he fell off ? Riding along an almost straight bit of track with no erosion mounds. What happened ? The back end of the bike just went sideways on him.
It just goes to sho that it can happen anytime any place to anyone.
Will keep you posted.
