The Red Light Nestled in the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges takes place just out of the small rural township of Boolarra. This is an area of lush temperate rain forest, with high eucalypts covering steep slopes, shading giant tree ferns in the numerous gullies. Such a magnificent part of Victoria and a mouth-watering feast for dirt bikers young and old.
EMD decided that this ride was definitely worth a look see we hooked on for the 2010 version here’s what we got up to…..
Getting there……
EMD’s intrepid reporter headed east on the warrigal freeway and the darted south down to Mirboo North whilst a few of the crew decided to track in from the south via Leongatha.
We all rocked up as part of Team Hobbit Racing on the Friday night and hooked up the rest of the crew.
We set up camp at the local pub a few lagers and a feed later we settled into the pub atmosphere with the fire blazing and local hospitality we were soon into our comfort zone fed and ready for bed we hot the swags about 1am to be up and ready for a big day on Saturday.
The staging area was about a 0.5 Km away and after missing a few signs we eventually found our way to the start.
With a lot of rain in the week preceding the ride the tracks were in perfect condition for a bunch of dirt bike riders to have a crack at what was some of the best loamy, berm soaked single trail I have ridden for years.
Preparing for the start We rocked up to scrutineering and with bikes checked and the registration done we geared up and then put the bikes on the line for our start position.
Lined up ready to go A bit of follow this arrow danger this one dodge that, etc. and some common sense instruction went on followed by a few guest presenters.
The old AG bike The usual DSE intro, the Vic Police mounted Squad were there as well with 6 mounted Medics and 1 pretty able girl Ambo rider. Needless to say with no major injuries they weren’t required so they enjoyed the ride like the rest of us.
Up the hill to the sponsors signsLeaving the staging area on private land we headed down the paddock around the tractor and up past the big yellow InsureMyRide blow up rider and the massive Monster Energy blow up Can to the private land single track cut into some really tight gullies.
This is where the unregistered and unlicensed bikes and riders got to have their crack at the course on private property but for us big bore Enduro types it was a bit of 1st and 2nd gear arm pump before the big gig.
Into the Tight and windys Once out of the tight and windy stuff the course opened up into some of the best loamy free flowing single track I have ridden in years.
Pristine Trails The transport sections were infrequent but also fast and fun this track was not so challenging an inexperienced rider could enjoy the event but the open loamy at times technical at speed meant those who were on the throttle were able to have fun drifting into loamy berms and chasing your mates through technical single track.
Waiting for the MarshallThe trail the opened up to a bit of fast flowing firetrail’s, marshals at the corners made sure you were safe at the intersections. Then back into the single trail amongst the tall gums and bracken. The ride took us up onto the ridge of the Strzelecki ranges via some knarley uphills and provided plenty of entertainment with the variety of terrain, across the top of the mountain and back down nice tight downhills as well.
Steep Downhills We managed to get in two morning loops and then back for some lunch and sponsor giveaways. This gave us the opportunity to browse through trade alley whilst they closed the track to reset the circuit before allowing us back out again.
Phelpsy on the BMW
The second loop was in reverse and seemed to cut out a bit of the track as we left the park ferme we were straight into loamy trails and playing chase your mates. Whilst technically not racing certainly a little bit of healthy competition amongst fellow dirt bikers means you’re always gunning for the guy in front of you.
You can download the video of the second loop
here…. best to right mouse click and select save file as (1gb download).
This ride had it all, the loamy single trail I’ve been raving about, fast open transports, snotty rutted hills, deep muddy sections dry, wet, slippery, grippy you name it.
Mud as much as you can eat!! Back to the staging area and the local CFA had a bike wash available to hose down your steed, believe me they needed a wash.
Packed up and clean (sort of) the nights proceedings moved to the Boolara Hotel where those who chose to stay enjoyed a hearty meal. A few beers and bourbons as well as the Monster Energy chicks to play music during the Band Breaks and we were entertained by the KLX110 mounted Whip Industries mini fmx show. There was a little rain but not enough to spoil the evening, these guys did a great job to bust out tricks and backflips on a wet metal ramp. Very ballsy guys.
Wazza with one of the girls that completed the courseThe pub closed at about 10:30 but the party continued on into the wee hours with the revellers keeping the campfire warm as the bench racing hotted up.
A few of the Boys amd girls around the fire We were up early to bacon and eggs provided by the pub again a hot coffee and headed home for a hot shower and clean up the gear.
Next year the ride and camping ground, food and entertainment will all be from the one point where the ride starts and the entertainment will be the night before the ride which will be much better format similar to the other major rides. So food, entertainment and camping as well as BYOG will be on private property with the entertainment as well, much better as you crawl out of your swag and get straight onto your bike after the brekkie provided by the gold coin donation to a local charity.
So after the ride the next day you can all head home for a hot shower and cold beer.
There is over 760 images in the gallery
here>> so if you can find your mug send us an email and we’ll send you the Hi res image if you want a copy of the Helmet Camera footage send us a reply paid, addressed envelope and we’ll send you a copy.
Thanks to the sponsors, especially Insure my Ride, Kawasaki, Fox, MX TV and Monster Energy.
Thanks to all the volunteers, Marshals, the DSE, Boolara CFA and of course Mel Ransom and her crew.
Thanks from EMD to BMW for the test ride on the very impressive 2010 BMW 450GS and Steve Cramer for the Epic High Definition Wide Angle Action Camera.
Phelpsy on the BMW with the HD Epic Action CamKeep an eye on
www.redlightride.com or www.eatmydirt.com.au for details on next year’s ride, there is also talk of another event to be held on private property and we’ll keep you updated. If you want us to email you updates sign up for our monthly newsletter
here >>.
Checkout the youtube footage from onionsacks
here >> That's Phelpsy on the
1:47 seconds mark on the
2010 450 BMW, then Daicos, Husaberg 570, Shnoz on the Kato 525, Rowie KLX 450, Trav WR450, Wazza Kato 530 ....
See you on the track…. Phelpsy