Blue skies and a picture perfect setting greeted entrants for the 2008 Watagans Trailbike Rally, while on the ground riders were reintroduced to somewhat of a rarity in recent times, mud, and lots of it. The EMD team was right there in amongst it, and loving every second. 

Event Organisers Chris Flaherty and Rod Cartwright from trailbikerallys.com.au. would have had more than a few moments of lost sleep in the week preceding this years Watagan bash.

Last year’s torrential rain and storms not only marooned the Pasha Bulka on Newcastle beaches, but caused the postponement of the rally, and the last few weeks of wet weather were indicating more of the same.

Luckily the skies parted and the boys put on some of the most enjoyable and challenging riding conditions experienced in recent memory

The Watagans rally normally provides a range of tracks for nearly every standard of rider. In fact it is a rally I have recommended to both experienced riders and newbie’s alike.

Proof of this is that one of my mates, who pulled out on the Saturday morning due to sickness, was going to ride the rally after only 86km of experience under his belt. I have a feeling "mate" would have been preceded by "ex" had the lurgi not taken Neil down. This year "previous experience necessary" was an essential requirement.

The returned veterans of the Sat. loop made the campground look like a Chinese laundry - where all the workers were on strike. There looked to be more mud on the lines than the ground.

 

The camping area was significantly bigger and more upmarket than last year, with campervans, camp kitchens, and even some gas heaters scattered around. Some die hards still braved the conditions in the trusty swags though. And isn't it amazing how the presence of a campfires lifts the social atmosphere.

One of the features of this event is the trade alley. The organisers put in significant effort to attract industry presence, and aside from creating atmosphere, it provides a great shopping opportunity. Just quietly, there were some awesome specials available. Be assured, many manufacturers and distributors wouldn't want to get their feet dirty in attending this type of event. Plenty do though, and they deserve your buying dollar.

 

The Roc Stompa stand had the ever popular robotic steering damper simulator, and it was attracting some serious attention with both media and punter alike. Good to see the support given to a local manufacturer that attends pretty much all the industry events, rallies included.

 

A big bonfire and entertainment wasn’t enough incentive to keep the EMD crew mountain top, so after getting the bikes scrutineered, we made the trip back to the Bay Hotel in Bonnels Bay for a night of fine food and entertainment. I've never seen a place clear so quick as this bar when the Karaoke started. The resident favourite "Elvis", clad in Driza-bone and Akubra crooning away in forgettable fashion. As Brett so succinctly put it " He might have a head like a sewing machine, but he aint no Singer".

After a good night sleep, including an effective four AM wakeup call by Brett and Trent, we were only too ready to take on whatever the Watagans wanted to deliver.

As Rod gave the rider briefing, the mighty Red Bull arch inflated, looming large over the collection of bikes already assembled at the start line. Rob, Dave, and I teamed up for loop one. We set a fair pace, and especially in Dave’s and my case, stayed upright more with good luck than good management at times. Although Dave, fresh from a trip to the US to witness Chad Reeds win at Las Vegas supercross, seemed to have picked up a few tips and was riding in mostly smooth fashion. Rob on the other hand was the pace setter, even having time to stop and take photo's.

The first couple of kilometres promised little, basically a transport section away from The Pines starting area. Once the First descent commenced though, it was game on.

A combination of single trail, fire trail, and reopened fire trail masquerading as single line, welcomed one and all. Some of the mud puddles spanned two metres wider than the road, with unpredictable conditions once you entered. I skirted around the edge of the first couple, and then arrived at "the big one". I thought I'd be tricky and not take the well worn path straight through, but slip around to the right on what I predicted to be a little used shallow.

After wallowing in front guard height water, and getting wet big time, I came to the realization that my puddle reading days were over before they began. Concentration was the key to success on the day, a fact that is easier said than done. Even the open trails had a slippery skin with braking corrugations that could bite the unwary. The single trail relied on either good rut railing capability or balancing on a line at the edge of the trail. Tree roots, and logs were just an added bonus that made life interesting. The new Bridgestone hoops I fitted for the Ulladulla Rally still had plenty of tread. A good set of tyres being the difference between a vertical and horizontal riding position.

The highlight of the loop was the 15km Expert section. It was the most technically challenging terrain of any rally I have ridden. Had the weather conditions been different it would most likely have been significantly easier, though the wet and slippery terrain made awesome single track with rocks and logs galore. My favourite section started at a creek crossing requiring a two feet high rock ledge exit, then an uphill section of rock ledges with a fair bit of running water, forming waterfalls. The next obstacle was two fallen trees across the track on an uphill section. On the first loop it was significantly harder, as the logs were separated by about 10 feet, requiring two successive front wheel lofts at different angles. A bloke in front of me on a KTM450 wrongly assumed that full throttle was the way to attack the obstacle. In fact he assumed the form of a pumpkin coloured catapult, ending in hilarious fashion. Thanks for the entertainment.

The same obstacle on the second loop had been massaged by sweeps or tracksetters and required a much easier simple log loft, being careful of the slippery mud coating.

 

To finish of the expert section was some long section of excellent downhill ledge hopping and loamy single trail. Great stuff, and awesome riding. Those that skipped the "Hard" sections missed some great single wheel riding. Yes there were a lot of ruts, some that swallowed whole bikes, but the loamy condition held up well and provided some really enjoyable riding on the first loop (second loop by this time I was doing hard time due to lack of fitness).

The last few kilometres of the loop contained a real boggy section. I pulled up behind a guy stuck in the worst of it only to see Trent sliding on his side past me. Not often seen, but happy to be a witness to see the big man getting dirty for a change. He's usually covering me with roost. Lesson to be learned in not getting too cocky though, within twenty metres I was on my backside. The tyres on my Berg looked like 25 inch slicks, with no tread to be seen. What was once the lightweight of the 450's now weighed more than a Safari kitted XR650. After some clumsy manoeuvring I soon had the Red Bull arch of the Start/finish in sight. The lunch break and presentation was for some reason especially long. I assume the wet conditions resulted in more stuck bikes and rider recovery, and possibly some track maintenance and reconfiguring. It did give a good opportunity for a chat and catch-up.

During this time Rob lined up a test ride on Andrew Hopson's Axis Motorsport CRF 250 & 450. The bikes had modified suspension, and go fast bits. Rob rode the second loop with Andrew and came away raving about the performance and handling. I feel a bike review may be on the cards, so Watch this space.

The presentation started with a bang with the first lucky punter winning the Super Early Bird prize pack valued at over $1000 dollars. With only 50 people organised enough to qualify, the odds of winning were excellent. The winner rode his bike to the rally and was last seen getting transport for his booty. Honda Australia’s Rhys Griffiths was thrilled to present grand prize winner Mr Michael Caine with a brand new Honda CRF250X on behalf of the manufacturer who sponsored the event for the second year running.

“It was only the second organised trail ride Michael has attended, so he was thrilled to walk away with the CRF250X,” Rhys said.

Michael said the the hospitality and help the crew from trailbikerallys.com.au provided him made all the difference. “They convinced me that trail riding was an awesome sport and that I had to come back for more so I’m sure glad I decided to come along," Michael commented.
 

"I was stunned when I was called up on to the stage. Thanks must go out to the organisers of such a wonderful event and also to Honda for providing an awesome prize."

The prize draw saw lots of satisfied grins throughout the crowd, although the fact that sponsors aren't allowed in the draw wasn't so impressive.

The traffic chaos of exiting vehicles straight after the presentation was indicative of the tough ride. Some could only handle the morning exercise.Not the EMD crew though. There was no way we were going home half done, it was go big or go home (obviously). I rode the second loop with Dave and Trent, catching glimpses of Rob aboard the CRF throughout the loop. I knew my fitness wasn't up to Trent and Dave, but I have to admit I did this loop hard.

People talk about getting a second wind, but by the end of the afternoon I was in triple figures for "wind" status. Note to self - get on mountain bike regularly before Batemans Bay.

I spent most of the loop trailing Dave with Trent toying with us along the way. I think he enjoyed riding in a less frantic pace than the first loop where he partnered with Brett. A couple of my spills seemed to give them a good laugh, but by that time I had pins and needles in both hands, and my legs just wanted me to sit.

I toughed it out though and we finished including all hard sections, and the Expert section, on both loops. There weren't too many to achieve that, so we came away grinning.. Trent (KTM525) and Dave (WR250 2T) swapped bikes at one stage. On the first corner Dave (Ed note: This detail still in dispute) laid big Betsy down in what was the only drop of the day that I witnessed from him. I think he revelled in the condition on his lighter stroker, and the heavier four stroke big bore was a big change for him. We were nearly the last to leave for the trip home, and three days later my legs are still sore, so we know the most was made to ensure the ultimate Watagan experience. I’ll have to ask when the entries open for next year because it’s a definite starter for my 2009 rally calendar.

 

“As in past years we had permission to use forest trails and private property, and our thanks must go out to Chris and Steve for the use of trails on their property,” Organiser Chris Flaherty said.

This year Forest NSW sanctioned the use of single trails for the event and organisers are now talking to them about entering into a management plan to keep the trails open for all riders all year long.

It has been a long process,” Rod said. “I have been attending meetings for the last 4 ½ years trying to convince forestry we need to be able to ride single line trails.”

“It’s going to be a big job but if we can get help from the riders that use these trails, we can save the small amount of forest left for our use and stop the government locking us out.”

 

 

Thanks to the sponsors Southlakes Motorcycles, Morrisett Lions Club, Shift, Fox, Moto-Master, Polaris, Kenda, Nolen Helmets, Barkbusters, Tracktune Suspension, race Tech, Whipps Aluminium, Arista Off Road Motorcycle Insurance, ADB, gear Goggles, Watagan Trail Bike Tours, Talon, Central cost Dirt Riders, Sunny Corner Trail Bike Rally, Paul Feeney Group, State Forest, Motul Oils, Kelly Enduro, DSMRA, Cessnock Mini Bike Club, tubby Signs, Belmont DMCC, EatMyDirt, Roc Stompa

 

Also thanks to Max Sullivan of Maximum Motorcycle Consulting for contributing some of the report photographs. If you see youself in action and would like to purchase photo's, send us an email .

Another great weekend, definitely one for that will be talked about over many campfires. See you at Batemans Bay Trailbike Ride.

Report by Shane Corney shane@eatmydirt.com.au
Photos by Rob Mendham and Max Sullivan