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Title: ANZAC day High country Ride - Is it Dangerous Post by: nickski2005 on April 26, 2010, 11,20:39 AM Dear members
I was in the high country whilst this ride was on and you probably all spotted me as some point in a Nissan patrol. Whilst I love what you guys are doing, i found it verging on terrifying from my point of view. From an outsiders point of view it looked like a race. I was innocently driving against the direction of the ride, without any knowledge or forewarning of your organised activity, and riders were coming around bends flat out, without any concern of on-coming traffic. after one of the first riders hit our vehicle head on and crashed we pulled over for an hour and waited with all of our lights on until all of the riders had passed. The problem was that it was 2 hours from when we passed the first rider until the last rider. The question I have is, Do you realise that the roads are open for on coming traffic, or do the riders assume that they are closed? Is there any chance you can move ahead and let people like me know whats happening, such as 100 or more riders are coming? ??? This weekend could have been fatal, we drove with absolute care, but it was not being exercised by the group of riders. Title: Re: ANZAC day High country Ride - Is it Dangerous Post by: Mat R on April 26, 2010, 12,15:19 PM Nick,
In answer to your question, yes we realise the roads are open and this is stressed at the riders briefing. All riders are made aware that the ride is conducted on a non competitive basis and is definitely not a race. The riders are warned to expect oncoming traffic, especially during the long weekend as we all get out to enjoy the high country. It is unfortunate that some seem to have forgotton this and I hope that everyone in your group is all right. It is usual that sweep riders at the front of the field warn other users of the oncoming group and I will look into why this has not occured. Thanks for taking the trouble to look us up and let us know what happened. Regards Mat. Title: Re: ANZAC day High country Ride - Is it Dangerous Post by: Ian Robinson on April 26, 2010, 08,50:33 PM Nick,
as part of our running of the ride AMTRA has a permit from DSE and Parks Vic, notifies the local police and emergency services and places notices in newspapers. All riders are aware that they are riding on public roads/tracks and the ride is definitely not a race and there will be other vehicles on the tracks. Perhaps we may also be able to notify the 4wd Association and clubs as well for future rides. Any suggestion would be welcome. As Mat said, thanks for taking the time to let us know about your concerns as we are always trying to make the event better. Ian Robinson - President |