by topgun » Sun Sep 03, 2006 7:12 pm
Ok Mr Smith - head south east about 14,000 km's - make sure bike is water proofed ...
Seriously it is heaven on earth ...
Base camp is an old Hay shed with all the mod cons ... located in a Police and Youth Citzens Club - run by the local coppers ...
We are their local security and spies ... given we are there every weekend and "patrol" the area we keep an eye out for undesirables and illegal stuff ( like shooters, drunks and druggies )
In return we get use of hot showers and toilets - perfect after 6 or 7 hour rides.
The Hay shed has power, microwave, satellite TV, DVD player and a big a$$ wood heater.
So typical weekend is arrive Friday night - set up bed in on site caravans, stoke up fire and barbeque ... have a few beers then shoot the breeze till whenever ...
Up early sat morning ... big brekkie ... fuel up, suit up and off we go .. normally 10 to 15 riders with a few girls as well.
We use the modified corner man for rides with you being responsible for the person behind - like waiting at a corner to make sure they dont overshoot, they are actually still behind you and not broken down or fallen off etc.
This keeps the group reasonably close together with no one getting lost and help available if necessary. One of the more experienced riders is nominated as the days leader but sometimes a novice is given the task - thank goodness for GPS as we never know where we will end up with literally 100's of k's of tracks ....
End of day - repeat normal night activities - and if you need to work on your bike then there are many helpful people all sitting in a circle ( with beer in hand ) all giving conflicting advice on the best way to do things - like fix a flat or repair a KTM ( these things always breaking down )
New riders are gently introduced to more advanced riding skills like be careful going through big puddles ( read look behind first ) as there will be some nasty person timing it just right to blast past to ensure you and your bike are thoroughly drenched in muddy water as they pass you. Or never pull up directly behind someone as you will be filled in as they blast off.
Seriously we tend to encourage and help new riders ( esp the girls ) as much as possible as they are the future of our sport. Like demonstrating techniques for log hopping/crossing, uphills, downhills, cornering, braking etc
Sunday - repeat of saturday with a slighly earlier finish to get cleaned up for trip home.
Usually do anywhere from 100 to 200 k's a day - depends if setting up an event or just riding for the heck of it and thoroghly enjoy every minute.