The forecast predicted isolated showers, but the Mogo forest didn't recieve a drop for the 2009 KTM Batemans Bay Apex Trail Ride. The result was a dusty affair, but riders still experienced the awesome event we have come to expect.
Before we explore the ride itself, lets rehash the "Trail ride" or "Rally" format for those that haven't experienced these great events.
There are lots of organised rides around the country, with some being run for charity fundraising eg. Apex Batemans Bay, Blue Light etc., and others by private promotors i.e. Watagans Trail Bike Ride. The common demoninator being non-competitive riding on a set arrowed course, with ample recovery vehicles, and first aid backup. All thats required of the rider is a motorcycle licence, a registered effectively silenced bike, helmet, and of course the payment of an entry fee.
From learner trailriders experiencing bush riding, to enduro veterans wanting to relive their youth, they provide a great social and riding experience for all. And the riding is at your own pace, whether that be akin to the tortoise or hare, no one cares. Its all about the fun factor, so keep a watch right here on EMD for upcoming events. Enter the next event, and you will have fun, guaranteed.
Anyway back to Mogo. The EMD crew consisted of regulars Rob Mendham (TM250), Glen Partridge (KTM280), Steve Scott (KTM300), Garry Dukes (Husaberg 450 - 2009), and myself (Husaberg 450). Due to MX and Enduro commitments, Garry hasn't attended a rally in a while, so it was great to see him back "trailriding", although watching him ride up and down "pork chop" on his back wheel did little for my confidence. But more on that later.
Travelling the well worn route to the Bay, via Taralga and Goulburn, in Garry's fully decked van, we for all intents and purposes looked like pro's. The Rekluse trio (Steve, Garry, and Glen) spent a seemingly significant portion of the trip raving about the benefits of their auto clutches, with Rob and I listening with a mix of envy, and boredom!
The "well worn path" I speak of usually includes a bike fuel up at the BP when we arrive. This time though we were met with "Out of Service" on all the Premium fuel pumps. So back in the van again to the Premium pumps of the Cullendulla servo.
On arrival, the place was packed with bikes of all shapes and sizes. I sat my jerry down beside the Premium bowswer, and started to fill her up. When the owner of the Harley appeared, I moved to one side so he could get on and lift it off the stand. He must have thought I was a bit close to his pride and joy, because I got a dirty look and a grunt for my troubles.
Old mate started the big girl up, then awkwardly dropped the clutch, and lurched forward with both legs flailing behind. A recovery would have been possible, maybe even probable, had he not tried to U-turn, with an angry fist full of throttle, on the adjoining gravel. What followed was a comical powerslide, turned piroette, and some gravel munching, grinding American metal, and swearing. Rob and Steve ran to his rescue, where he remounted and departed with little more competence than he dispalyed the first time.
So fuelled with laughs, and a bit of petrol, we headed back into the Bay for a quiet night of fun and entertainment.
On arrival at the muster area on Sunday morning, a pretty white haze over the ground greeted us. To some of the shivering punters around it may have been unusual, but us mountain boys are used to a frost or three, and this was only a light one!! The difference between a race day and a rally, is the sounds in the pits. Racers usually have highly maintained bikes that start easily. Rallies on the other hand have the Mums and Dads who haven't ridden for a while, and who have packed in a hurry. Thats the excuse that we have anyway. I had to kick start the Berg from a low battery, and Rob and Steve were struggling a bit too. Although they only have kick start, and both have two smokers, so nothing unusual really!!
There was no need for Simon and his crew to tell us we were in for a dusty day. The dust cover over the trees on the drive from the highway gave no illusions of dampness. But all the other necessary information and warnings were explained at the rider briefing.
One of the advantages of being media sponsors of an event like this is getting to leave first, and in dust it is awesome. So while the 350 riders were deciding which loop they would ride first, the EMD crew headed out on the South loop to find some vantage spots to photograph the "dusted" passers-by.
Rob stopped at "Rocky hill", which in itself isn't a bad hill, but some of the ruts were filled with bulldust up to calf height, and front wheel deflections into these made the going tricky for some. Especially those with their backsides glued to the seat.
The first section of the South loop was quite open, but this combined into a really enjoyable loop with some good single trail, and some quite technical sections. The key was the gap between riders. If a gap of a minute or so was available, it made the going easy. Those that love zero visibility conditions would hang off their mates rear guard.
There is usually a creek crossing in the first fifty metres of the South loop, and this is the first rally I have attended where it was dry.When Rob came through on his back wheel, I pulled him up and requested another for the camera. With my urging, I have to admit he came through with some nice, "near point of no return" manoeuvres.
I took Rob home from this event last year sporting a couple of dislocated/broken ribs, and between us, I was a bit scared about doing it again. "Sally", his wife can be a bit scary. So we called quits on the action shots before any injuries. And thats when the steam poured from his bike. Photos 1 v's TM 0.
Lunchtime is not only refuel time for bike and body, but its also an entertainment-fest
The 2009 KTM450EXC was the most anticipated prize of the day, with many bringing along some extra tie downs "just in case". The eventual winner of the big boys bike was Glen Spencer (ACT), who unfortunately wasn't in attendance to share in the excitement. The second prize of a nifty little 2009 KTM50, was won by Wayne Nixon (ACT). Wayne would surely have been the most popular Dad or uncle around that night. The kind people at Capital Coast Cycles provided a $500 voucher for the lucky third place draw to Brian Ellis (Kenthurst NSW).
The Helmet Race is a tradition whereby young, young-at-heart, and the just plain old, race for the reward of a new helmet in a virtually no rules human demolition derby. This year was no different, with competitors huffing and puffing, clambering from hill to carpark. The winner, Jeremy Tague, rose from the tussle raising a triumphant fist. Hope the hurt was worth it mate!
With Rob sidelined for Loop Two, we left him to take care of prizewinner photo's etc, and made a beeline for Pork Chop Hill. I was actually looking forward to "the Chop", as I was told it had been graded and nowhere as difficult as last year.
The 40km run out to Pork Chop was a great ride. An awesome mix of single trail, and open firetrail greeted us. Although the one minute gap was still necessary for dust minimisation, the single trail wasn't too bad, and the firetrail along the pipeline is pretty hardpacked clay.
Riding through one of the many groups of bee boxes, I wondered if anyone needed to carry an epi-pen for bee sting allergies. Thinking about how lucky I have been not to get stung, just a little too early. The next moment I got stung on the neck. For the rest of these hazards, I screwd my face up like I had just sucked a lemon, and gave a big outward breath. Dont want one of those little mongrels inside my nose or mouth. the sting isn't too bad, but the bite itched for a week!!
With Pork Chop in the distance I could see one bike nearly at the top. It turned out to be Garry on his first climb. Excellent i thought, maybe they have graded it. But as i got closer I saw someone having an off - Garry on his second climb, but first straight up the middle. I now started to wonder if I had been told a yarn. And as I got closer, I could see it was the same mongrel hill as last year. My nemesis is back, and staring me in the face.
I got to the bottom and spoke to Dukesy, "its not too bad if you maintain momentum. First part is a little tricky, and then its ok until you get to the car". No dramas. I attacked it with enthusiasm, determined to make it further than last year pitiful effort. I made it within metres of the end of the first harder section before stalling, and the next two attempts made no improvement on the first.
Steve, on his Rekluse fitted KTM300, reckoned he got a bit further than my effort. I think he needs to get his eye's checked. But we both agreed that Dukesy, and his fellow Pork Chop conquerer, Luka Busa, of last years Oz ISDE team , were freaks. They made the climb actually look easy. Both of them went up and down like it was a playground slippery dip. Right side, left side, straight up the middle. I got some pictures of Garry going up on his back wheel. That was like salt being rubbed in an open wound, compared to my own pathetic effort.
"The Chop" doesn't look that bad, until you attempt it yourself. If you had all day to skull drag your bike over the hard, knobby sections, there may be some success. But this day was about the rally, and the bypass was a fun climb anyway (I'll keep telling myself that!!!).
It was only a 15km run to the finish from here, and suprisingly due to the lack of bike time I have had recently, I felt ok. The home stretch from Pork Chop was pretty technical, with the last 5km being the North and South Loops common trail home.
The best part of riding this event is that it enables the Batemans Bay Apex Club to support local charities. This year seven recipients were on hand to recieve cheques for $3000 each. Representatives from Coastal Patrol, Mogo Rural Fire Service, Snowy Hydro South Coast, St. Johns Ambulance, Narooma VRA, NSW Fire Service, and Fire Training were obviously appreciative of the generous gesture. The only thing better than a days riding, is knowing that it is benefiting a worthy cause.
KTM Batemans Bay Apex Trail Ride would not be able to run without the support of the sponsors. Take note of the businesses that enable your hobby and support them with your buying dollars. Trailrider Magazine, Batemans Bay Locksmiths, Dairy farmers, Fox, KTM Trail Tours, Shift, Barkbusters, Dunlop, Action Motorcycles & Accessories, Campbell Page, DBW, Gecko, KTM Sportmotorcycles, Sutto's Motorcycle Supply, Dahlitz Motorcycles, MSC Competition Products, B&B Off Road Engineering, Capital Coast Cycles, DSMRA, Industrial Replacements, TrailBikeRallys.com.au, Xerox Business Centre, Kelly Enduro products, and of course www. EatMyDirt.com.au (although we were left off the sponsors list and T-shirts!!)
While dust isn't my favourite riding companion, the ride turned out pretty good. If the rain that we met from just out of Batemans, to my doorstep, had arrived a day earlier it would hve been magic.
Batemans Bay Apex put on a great event, with all aspects thought out and catered for. Good tracks, great location, awesome food, and all for a charitable cause. Lets hope the clouds break for next years event, although we'll be there anyway.
Check out the EMD Gallery for heaps of photo's of this years event. See you on the trails
Shane Corney
shane@eatmydirt.com.au
Photos: Rob Mendham and Shane Corney