AMTRA.com.au

1. Frankie Reefman
2. Mat Richmond
3. Chris Richmond
4. Chris AKA Cruiser from DBW
5. Ron Howat
6. Hamish Munro
7. Will Munro

A big thanks must go to Frankie for recommending this place and for Mat R setting the date and making the initial contact.
The reason for the weekend was to help a guy out to get back on his bike after having a stroke. It was a shame that Geoff could not make it.
Ron, Frankie, Chris Cruiser and Mat and Chris Richmond went up Friday night.
My weekend started at 5am Saturday waking to a block nose. sore throat and runny eyes. The better half telling me go back to bed and see what you feel like a little later on, nup I've hardened up I thought and we were loaded and ready to go so got the young bloke up and dressed and set off around 6.15 and stopping at Glenburn for brecky and then getting there at around 9am to find Ron Frankie and Cruiser just having there brecky . Mat and Chris turned up not long after for theres and I started giving a hard time about what was on his trailer. He had not loaded the WR450 but the XR100 and the IT200 which he had not started in six months.
Frankie and Cruiser set of to do some trails and Mat and I had a go at getting the IT to run with out any luck, we changed the fuel and  drained the carby but still no go. He set of to Mansfield to get a spark plug resistor for the end of the lead and Hamish and Ron and My self took off on what was to be a HTFU Hamish ride, first big hill I had to ride his XR80 up for him as he walked up I walked down saying you will soon learn son that it is easier to ride your own bike up than walk, ye thanks Dad is all he could say.
As I was well drugged up with cold and flu tablets I was feeling pretty good so we did one of the fairly easy loops with Ron and I taking turns to lead picking Hamish up off the ground when needed and consoling him when required with Harden Up Hame, no we cannot turn around and go back cause we are going this way. Coaching him to keep his elbows up and use the clutch to get up the hills and stand up not pedal the ground. We did about a 25klm loop and returned to cook Dim Sims and sausages on the property's Barbeque's and sat down for around an hour.
Mat still could not get the IT going so he got changed and climbed aboard the XR100 and My self, Hame, Ron , Frankie and Cruiser all set off on the Hamish Harden up ride.
It had started rain over lunch and a steady rain fall it was going to be wet. Cruiser led us out and I tailed and taking us to do some of the best tight track you have ever seen, it was slow has Hame was needing help and more of our encouragement at every new obstacle, he started again I want to go back, mate that greasy muddy hill that you just slid down you ain't going to get back up it, Harden up Hame we went again and on he went getting help and encouragement from the whole group as required. God I felt like it may have been a John T ride at one stage but we all got through and although junior had some tears at time he did Harden Up.  We got back about 4 doing around another 35klms and with Hame riding up or over or down just about everything that was put in front of him. Along the Way Mat, Cruiser and Frankie entertained us with a hill climb with Cruiser doing it no problems, Mat had 2 go's on the XR and got about 3/4s the way up ending the second time with a flip.  Frankie had 3 goes completing it on his 3rd attempt. Hamish's back flip over the log look awesome as well.
As most of us hit the very hot showers Cruiser and Ron went out for another loop, we got dressed and hit the bar.
With a nice warm fire to sit in front off what a great way to top off a great day. We all sat down for dinner then Ron heading home just after and Mat and Chris leaving a little later. We stayed in the bar having a few sherry's and some complimentary Port as the night went along with our hosts managing to get most of us to put on dress up wigs for some photo's . Got to bed around midnight and woke about 7.30 for hot shower and cooked brecky .
With the sun shining Hame and I set of to do the same loop we had done with Ron and Saturday morning and Frankie and the Cruiser set of for a ride in the strathbogies.
We got to our turn around point with out to much dramas with the boy doing well on the bike, a quick rest and some talk about a funny noise in his bike which he thought he heard so he started it and all seemed ok so we set of and around 5klms down the track it seized up.
What are we going to do now dad was the big question, well the hills are way to big to just push it out and the tracks are way to small to get a vehicle in, you stay here and I will go get a tie down to tow you out.
Off I went cutting loose on the 525 with the promise that I will only be 1/2hr but with the idea that you are riding on your own and no one knows were we are, so taking a little easy up a hill over a rock ledge landing with a strange grinding noise, mmm that was weird next big hill big hand full in second gear same noise, I know what that is, front sprocket so carefully got back to the trailer and grab a couple of tie downs and chugged back to my boy gingerly.
He was ready to go but I adjusted the chain as far as I could and we set of with me getting him along the flats and up the hills and he getting himself down the hills and back to the lodge with out too much trouble.   
We then packed and loaded up leaving just before one and getting home just after 3. Impressions of this place, fantastic, always wanted to be able to take Hamish riding in the forest and as this forest is on private property no probs with no rego or license. Comfy beds and great hosts and very reasonable rates including the bar and bistro prices, keep an eye out we may do a kids instruction weekend there and certainly a level 1 instruction weekend so if this sounds like it would interest you let me know so I can let you know when it happens. Will

Is that the place at Bonnie Doon? I've been wanting to do a weekend with a few people there for a while now.

yes just over the bridge, greatplace very easy going

top weekend,great tracks and people sorry to hear about Hamish's bike hope nothing to major, had a very wet and windy drive home Saturday night
Ron

You did such a  good job on the ride report fatboy. Thought I had better Register and add my 2 bobs worth.

Frankie-boy gave me the heads up that you were heading out to this little gem of a place nestled at the foothills of the amazing Strathboggies. Having spent a fair bit of time at the Resort and riding the local Terrain. I couldn't resist going up again. Usually taking the Lad with me. I had to go it alone this time, as he had other commitments for the weekend.
Arriving at around 7pm Friday night. Checked in to a motel room. Frankie comes up and then tells me your all in the Bunkhouse. ::) Never mind. I was settled in so we made our way to a fire that had been setup outside the Bunkhouse. Another group were also joining in on this event. Again I thought they were part of Amtra as well. Apparently not. That's alright. I will talk to anyone. We sat round, Talking bikes and bits till only Frankie and myself were left to keep the fire rollling. Finally calling it quits at around 1am.
The general mood the next morning was very relaxed and slow. After having breaky in the bistro. Got suited up and rode with Frankie. Showed him a number of my favorite tracks on the property. Came back for lunch and we all went out again. A mixed bag of bike cc's and rider abilities. Having Fatboy's young Son along for the ride I was to lead a ride that he could cope with. I decided to do my favorite track. Mr T in reverse. Not because it's easy. Just because it was my favorite.  ;D
I knew Hamish was going to struggle with the challenge's the track presented. With thick rutted muddy sections to doubled up logs to negotiate and a few slippery climbs. I expected to be off my bike heaps. Giving words of wisdom and lots of help......He didn't let me down.  :D With tears in his eyes and a determination to finish the track. Hamish pushed on.........OK I gave him no choices.  :)We finshed the track and pushed along some easier trails to Starglen Hut. We had a well deserved break and Mat R Frankie and myself had a play on a nearby hill. A couple more trails and we were nearly back at the Lodge. Hamish could just about smell it. But I wanted to do one more section before heading in. I could hear Hamish going into top gear with his negotiating skills to get out of this. But dad would not be in it. Reminding him that you cannot split a group. Taking them to a very muddy bogged out section. Everyone powered through no probs. Except poor Hamish who fell into the bog at the last bit getting mud all over his gloves. He was not so happy. So politly telling him to harden up showed him the way around the remaining bog hole and he was back. The smile on his face later on I think was from relief to be back and also knowing that he had been thrown in the deep end and came out the other side with an experience he could not get doing anything else. Well done Hamish. 8)
I asked Ron and Shannon to accompany me on one last quest. They agreed. And off we shot again to do some more of my favorite tracks both forward and in reverse. We had a play on a particularly slippery steep climb. 1 successful, 1 Fail, 1 I'm not even going to bother. :P We then made the decision to go around. Getting back to the Lodge just before dark.
That night rained relentlessly. So I Knew the tracks were going to be a challenge the next day. Frankie and myself decided to head out into the Strathboggies and I was going to show him the Golden lookout. It was a great ride. Even though I got a puncture. My first ever. ::)
We investigated a number of tracks that I have now turned into a loop and can't wait to do it again. The wind from the night before had brought a number of trees down over the tracks. Adding to the challenge of the slippery hill climbs we had to negotiate.

Thankyou Frankie for the invite. Was a pleasure to meet you Fatboy, Hamish and Ron.
Mat R, whome I have met before. Put on a great show with the 100.

Till we ride again.

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Will & Cruiser you fellas put on a great report, I had a great relaxed weekend with great company, it's a pity the other 5 or so that I thought were coming didn't come! ;D

The riding on the property is as good as you would fined anywhere
with heaps of single tracks, it was great to have Chris showing us all the tracks thanks mate, & you did a top job helping Hamish.
Saturday night it was to wet to sit out side by the fire so stayed inside, after dinner & a few drinks & me being a bit deaf I miss out on whats going on sometimes, anyway one off the fellas there came out with a bag full of wigs & we all had to put one on,
yeah it was a awesome night drinking bench racing & laughing.

The next morning Chris & I headed out for a look in the Strathbogies about 10 k/m into the ride Chris got a flat tyre,
the night before Chris was saying he never gets a flat tyre & that he had carried a tube with him for 2 years ;D
So mate, looks like you jinxed yourself ;D
anyway it was a great ride in the strathbogies
to sum it up it was an awesome weekend, if you want a great weekend away on the bikes, then come along to the next one.

Thanks for the awesome weekend fellas.

Here's a few photos for ya.



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Two of me ;D

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Hey Cruiser I hope for your sake that you did not see a fella pointing a bone at you on the way home :D ;D regards Will.
Well done on adding your bit, I reckon ride reports are always better when every one adds there 2 bobs worth.

Looking good with the wigs on boys, instead of the triva night Will maybe you and Frankie could put on a drag show ;D

All most missed this one, Chris & Will.


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You'de like that, would'nt you Ron

I think i saw a Mini Me (Mini Will) there Will.

We also had a great time there, apart from not getting the IT going. Chris is not keen on riding but had a great time playing pool and being away from his brother.

I'll just add that I did get up the hill climb, just had to use Frankie's BMW instead of the mighty XR100.

Good place to go for a family bike holiday.

Sounds like you all had a great weekend - its a great place to stay and the riding looks great (i hope to be able to ride there at some point as i had my AC  joint issues when i was there and had to settle for some 4wd'ing).
Having done a few weekends away with Crusier its great to see that he went along - he's a top bloke who is always the first to lend a hand with anything (as long as he's had his morning coffee!!! ;))..

lol morning, lunch, evening, anytime is coffee time.
I think Will couldn't understand it when I had a can of Jim Beam in one hand and a coffee in the other. haha.
Picks me up in the morning. Puts me to sleep at night.
Dustin, You have to keep your ears open for the next ride up that way. I hear it is going to be huge. be good to catch up again.

Cruiser

Some photos around the lodge, riding is around 450 acres of forest.

will do mate - i'll be ripping the engine out this weekend and hopefully be all good for the following one.....

i see you got to put the i in the right part of cruiser on here!!!!

And some more shots

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i see you got to put the i in the right part of cruiser on here!!!!
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haha yeah No one else had the name. I guess cruiser sounds too slow.  ;D

Here is some U tube of some of the tracks up there
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnD_Lz3_iyo

lol. Will,
you pulled that one out of the archives.
That was probably my first visit up to Starglen. Back when Lev owned the business.
As you can see it is summer. Most of the tracks were overgrown and trees laying all over them.
Zach (my Son) and myself spent a fair bit of time clearing tracks and making new ones. The footage of the hut doesn't show the track going up the hill behind it. Because we hadn't cut that in at that stage. Mr M's track is as dry as.
The last ride of last weekend saw Frankie and myself coming down Mr M's. It was a 2 wheel slide to the bottom. Oh, so slippery. I think we would have really struggled to get back up it.
I got speared in the face by a low branch pointing straight at me as I rounded a bermed corner on Boundary trk.

Just goes to show you how much work the new owners have put into Starglen Lodge since my first visit. The tracks were in primo condition on the weekend. So much fun.

I ride the Strathbogie Ranges all the time, if your keen to get out there riding then checkout my forum for ride day-weekends I know this area very well, most of the rides we have are on short notice and are between 60K to 120K depending on the tracks we take.

Cheers Mick.

Have you been to Starglen Mick? It would make a good Vinduro site, accomodation, meals, bar and private riding ground with good mix of trails.

After finding out about this place on here I have booked a couple of nights in Aug with 4 mates.  ;D Looks like some good property to get some practice on and a bit of a blokes weekend to boot.  ;) Can't wait!!!

You wont be disappointed Brad.

I know of it, the problem for running a Vinduro there is it has got to be run by a MA club so you have entry fee's and day licence as it is, then to run a event here you also have accomodation costs etc,etc,,,a lot of the blokes that ride in Vinduro's are already stretched for funds so to do a event and to expect all to pay even more money out would make for small turn outs.

Over the next few years Vinduro's are going to start to change as in vintage or rec rego will come into play so that events can then move into the state forests and most events will be were people can get to on the same day then ride and leave.

Me I love camping for the weekend and riding,,,,this place I am sure will suit many people with family's and for those that want the option of heading out into the Strathbogie Ranges for a ride with the big boys.

Cheers Mick.