Drought and dust in the north, and bush fires and floods in the south. 2007 hasn’t been the easiest year to plan any event, least of all an event that presents hundreds of trail bikes to the Australian bush.
The devastating June floods and storms delayed the first attempt at the 2007 Watagan Trail bike Rally, but last weekend saw the event run in conditions as near perfect as possible in our land down under. I don’t recall any previous rides where after 180 km, a bikes air filter was virtually dust free. Amazing.
The event is run a-la-casual with the track open for the best part of two days. Entrants can complete any number, or combination of the two loops as they like.
I must firstly unreservedly withdraw all anti four stoke comments I have made in previous reports. This is purely due to my wanting to be impartial, and has nothing to do with the fact I recently traded my beloved KTM300 for a Husaberg 450. Nothing at all.
Anyway, after getting a new set of Motoz Tractionator tyres fitted to the Berg, we set sail for the sunny shores of the Central Coast. After battling the mountains and city traffic, we arrived too late to ride a loop on Saturday, but gave the comprehensive trade alley a quick look over, and got our bikes scrutineered so we’d be ready for a quick launch the next morning.
The camping areas provided were some of the best I’ve seen at any rally. Separated by a short distance, there was ample room for the tents, plenty of wood for fires, and by the look of the garbage bins plenty of liquid flowing. As appealing as the camping looked, we chose to bed down in town, after having dinner with the good blokes from Barkbusters, and Maximum Motorcycle Consulting photography.
Sunday morning arrived way too quickly, and after a quick drive up the mountain we were all set to go. The place was buzzing, and only added to the excitement of taking the Berg for its first decent stretch. That excitement nearly turned to big time embarrassment within the first ten seconds.
About twenty metres after the impressive Red Bull inflatable arch, the start marshals were located in a quick shade. All went well until the far side shade support rail collected my helmet, nearly driving my neck through my shoulders. After coming close to turfing myself in front of the entire rally, I was on my way.
The first section of the course was common to the short 50km, and long 80km loops. It was a combination of tight twisting felled forest area, open fire trail, and natural bush. After having the keen Saturday punters already making their mark on the course, I expected it to have become dusty and rutted out, but that proved wrong. Dust was virtually nonexistent, I didn’t clean my goggles in the entire day, and the small amount of ruts just provided a little extra challenge, for both suspension and technique. A good combination for all level of riders.
The EMD team, which consisted of Rob Mendham TM250, Glen Partridge TM450, Trent Johnstone KTM525, and yours truly, decided on the long course for the first loop. Before purchasing the Berg, I hadn’t realized the difference in riding styles between four and two strokes. I quickly realized that I had little chance of maintaining their pace, and the sensible thing to do was hang back and get used to this beast before I damaged myself. It proved a good option because with the recent, and current, weather conditions, even the fire trail was somewhat technical. Riding lines made all the difference between riding smooth, and bashing yourself from one side of the trail to the other.
1TEAM EMD (from left) Glen, Rob, Shane, Trent. Photos courtesy AllActionPhotos.
At every rally there is least one obstacle that seems to create active discussion in the pits. This time there were two. The first was a rocky descent, which was basically a series of what seemed to be a hundred ledges up to about two feet high. Lines existed around some of the most vicious, but each and every time I faced this drop, my legs were jelly, after the fast technical fire trail preceding it. So, I closed my eyes and bumbled my way to the bottom. I didn’t crash here, but by the amount of plastic lying around, it certainly claimed its share of victims.
2 Mad Mud Hole - Photo courtesy AllActionPhotos
The second “attraction”, and that voted most talked about in the pits, was “Mad Mud Hole”. It always seemed to have some poor mongrel in its clutches. My first foray took me ninety percent through, until the Motoz Tractionators decided to grip the sides of the rut. Being a bit wider than my normal tyre selection, I had to give the rut a Husaberg induced wall ream. With that done, time to tackle the last bit of the first loop. A pretty easy return home, and refuel for the second loop.
I was feeling pretty comfortable with the new wheels by this time, and decided one more loop could be fitted in before lunch, and the much anticipated Honda CRF presentation. The shorter 50km loop seemed the best option – and oh what a ride! The track, conditions, new (for me) bike, Motoz hoops, all worked a treat. I was riding at close to 100% pace, and loving it – until I dumped the bike in the slowest corner, and in the girliest fashion possible. I picked the bike up and pushed the start button (I love that thing), thinking “why I am I always the one to come off with witnesses”. Well, it was my lucky day. About 500m later I came across Rob on his hands and knees, in the dust, trying to get to his bike before I came. Gotcha.
We had a good dice with a couple of sweeps for the next few kilometres of open trail. They had to stop to assist some stranded riders, and shortly after this was the most dramatic dismount of the day, that I witnessed. One of our riders Trent, on Betsy his KTM 525, was putting an overtaking move on me in one of the more slippery corners in the open section. His intention was to use the gutter as a berm, but unfortunately he high sided before he got there. Down went the bike, and Trent sailed off into the flora and fauna. I promise we didn’t cheer until we checked he was ok. I have to get a helmet cam.
Big “Trojan” Trent redeemed himself shortly afterwards with one if the finest whips I have seen outside of an arena. Again on an overtaking move, he passed on an erosion hump, and whipped the rear that far round all I could see was his rear sprocket (about three feet in front of my face). Where was that helmet cam- again!
Lunch was supplied by the good people at Morriset Lions Club, and they did an awesome job. The presentation aboard the Undecided rig began shortly after lunch, with a multitude of great prizes given. There were Barkbusters, Kenda tyres, and heaps of all the good stuff. Bundy Bear claimed a Roc Stompa steering damper for his Best Dressed award, but all eyes were on the major prize draw a 2007 CRF250X. The lucky man of the moment was revealed and he was all smiles, and deservedly so. Good on you big fella.
1Top Left: Honda CRF250X Winner; Top Right: Luke Austin and the TM sponsored Aero wing!!
3"Bundy" in action and a Roc Stompa Steering Damper for Best Dressed rider
There was a bit of a delay in resuming the track. Some poor bloke had to be air lifted with a broken collar bone. Hope your weekend didn’t end in too much pain mate.
After having already completed a big 130km, I don’t know if it was age, fitness, or the pace of the previous ride, but I did the last 50km loop pretty hard.
There are definitely no complaints with being limited in riding time in this rally. Every rider has the option, and freedom, to ride to as close to the point of exhaustion as they like. I was tired but maintained a well satisfied grin.
Special mention must be given to the sponsors. Without this support these events would not occur, and they deserve a share of our spending dollars. Honda Australia donated the major prize, 2007 CRF250X and a $1000 of Honda merchandise. Event Sponsors included Kenda, Southlakes Motorcycles, Fox, Motul, RK chains, Forestry NSW, ADB, Alpine Star, Barkbusters, Barrett Racing Exhausts, Batemans Bay Apex Trail Ride, Cycle Torque, Dirt Action, DSMRA, Eatmydirt.com.au, Endura, Gall Medical, Kelly Enduro, Multi Air, Reikon, RK Racing Chain, Roc Stompa, Scott Goggles, Star Marquees, Sunny Corner Trail Bike Rally, Track Tune Suspension, Trader Mag, Trail Bike Adventure Magazine, Trail Zone Magazine, Trial Zone, Undecided Clothing, Whipps Alloy Products.
Secondly special thanks for the contributions of photos for the event.
Matt and Col from All Action Photos kindly contributed some action shots of the EMD team, as well as the bogged XR, and the presentation area photo. If you missed out on viewing your own action shot at their stand they are available for viewing and purchase at www.allactionphotos.com.au. Check them out.
Max from Maximum Motorcycle Consulting was situated trackside to capture our best and worst moments. He has kindly allowed us use of a sample of his photos. Visit www.motorcycleconsulting.com.au/ to view and purchase your “special” moment.
Well that’s all folks, until next weekend when we take on the Batemans Bay Apex Rally. If you haven’t entered yet – too late. The rides totally booked out. You will have to live it through the ride report next week. But for the 300 or so riders taking on the Mogo forest, I’ll see you there. I’m currently testing the Motoz Tractionator tyres, and Zacspeed Exotec Armour, so if you’d like a look at them come and say g’day.
Shane Corney