As Big Kev says, “I’m excited”…..actually, I was more than excited……I was bloody hanging out for this Year’s Sunny Corner Trail Bike Rally. My crew and I had the best time at last year’s event – hanging out, talking shit and riding with the likes of individuals such as Jeff Leisk (General Manager KTM Sportmotorcycles), Mr Ballard himself and Anthony Gunter (aka Mr Motocross). Last year the riding was a little dusty, but after the riding report I had just received I was already packed, sitting in the 4x4 beeping the horn – and that was two days before we were scheduled to leave!
“Mate, we’ve had heaps to rain up here!” That was the reply from Geoff Henning – Principle Organiser of the Sunny Corner Trail Bike Rally, whilst discussing with him how the NSW South Coast was so stricken by drought……..”Best you bring a raincoat and some warm clothes, cause ya gunna need em” he retorted before ending the call.
Well, I can honestly say I have almost forgotten what it’s like to ride in the wet and I reckon most weekend warriors would concur with me. It’s not that I hate riding in dust because ANY riding in my books is great…..it’s just not the same as riding when you have 100% visibility and the tracks are loamy or slippery! So it was with great anticipation that we finally hit the bitumen on Saturday morning for the three hour road trip to Sunny Corner.
When we arrived, the first thing I noticed is that the normally secluded camping area had been flattened! The NSW Forestry had completely logged the forest surrounding the staging area and it was then, when I alighted from the driver’s seat that the second thing hit me……..the bloody cold wind. Funny how sitting in an enclosed vehicle for three hours does that hey?
Once again, the Central Tablelands Motorcycle Club had done their best and we were greeted with buzzing activity amongst the Sponsor’s pitting area. Within a couple of hours the supporting KTM Dealers and my crew had the KTM Stand, featuring all the new 2005 Model KTM’s (50 Adventurer, 50 Pro Senior, 65cc, 85cc, 200cc, 250cc, 300cc, 250RFS, 450RFS, 525RFS, 640LC4 and of course lastly, the Grunt Monster KTM950 Twin)….. fully operational….fully sick man! (thanks to the KTM Sportmotorcycles – Perth, KTM Orange, Mulholland Motorcycles Dubbo, Prorider, my staff and mates who put in for this display) This year, we even brought along two gorgeous KTM Promo Girls – Carmel and Ursula, which I am sure the crowd appreciated. In actual fact, when the Girls saw the skimpy KTM Clothing we provided, they almost pulled the pin. Seriously, my Grandmother has tea towels which would cover more skin. Never the less, the Girls soldiered on like true professionals in the icy cold bitter weather.
Once the setup was complete, there was only one other thing to do – well, actually two. Put the New 2005 KTM 450 exc and KTM 50 Pro Senior Give-a-ways on display and then crack the first of many cans of Bourbon! With the Esky within sight, the boys quickly loaded the bikes onto the large taut-liner for display then headed for a quick bit to eat from the ladies and gents of the Wallerawang Public School Food Stall – and a tasty treat it was too!
As dusk dawned, the crowd disappeared momentarily to arrange their sleeping quarters for the oncoming evening. It was about this time that I realized that it was going to be a cold night. Why did I think this at this time of the arvo…….well, apart from the snow on my shoulders, it was simple. I was having problems locating my ol’ fella when the need to urinate overcame me!
As night settled upon us, a band began pumping out some good tunes and the crowd settled around the large fire, whilst siphoning themselves full of intoxicating liquor. It was at this point that I realized it didn’t matter how much I drank, the pain from the frost bite to my fingers could not be numbed. I tried to kill the pain, honestly, but the more I drank the more I felt the need to visit nature and it was becoming increasing difficult to locate the ol’ fella with numb fingers.
Once again, the annual firework display commenced which left the crowd with stiff necks and snow in our eyes – but who cares, we were in good company and enjoying ourselves. When the Band finished, the crowd was not to be outdone. Some die hard parked his 4x4 near the fire, opened up all the doors and started to belt out glorious Guns & Roses until 5am. It is at this point in the story that I would like to pay tribute to the ladies and gents that partied all night in the snow and rain – you are all bloody legends in my book and you are the type of people that makes this event the best Rally in the whole of Australia.
When I finally woke up on Sunday morning, I realized once again, that I must have entered my sleeping bag and swag head first the night before. There is no way you could possibly get that tangled if you get in feet first. Either that, or my so called mates were playing games with me again! The second thing I realized was the three motorcycles parked at my feet were white from the recent snow fall. Either that, or the sparrows shit really big in this forest. As I untangled myself and attempted to visit nature again, the third thing I noticed was how cold it was. To emphasis this point I would like to point out that whilst visiting nature I looked down and saw that I had a foreskin – funny that, I’m sure I was circumcised at birth – it was THAT bloody cold!!!
After a quick bite to eat and a nice warm coffee we hit the first loop of approximately 70 kilometers which consisted of mainly Pine Forest Fire Trails, Single Line Tracks, Creek Crossings and the occasional snotty Hill Climb. The layout of the route was exceptional with options for either easy route or difficult sections depending on the experience of the pilot. Identification of the route was simple due to good sign markings using KTM and ADB Magazine Arrow Markers.
The Second Loop of the day had been shortened due to the inclement weather. Even so, we had riders arriving after 4.30pm which was later than scheduled. I’m glad they shortened this loop as riding in the freezing conditions was taking it’s toll on the majority of riders. When it’s THAT cold, people don’t realize how tired they get and how demanding it is on your mind and body. When your tired you make mistakes and it’s as simple as that. I’m glad the committee considered this in their planning of the event.
Credit, where credit is due - The days riding was probably the best riding I have ever experienced. It was THAT good! I still get a little woody when I think about those tracks and trails.
Anyway, enough about my ol’ fella, lets get back to the story. Upon our return to camp we were greeted by the untimely reminder that Dirt Bike Riding is Dangerous. We watched as the NRMA Care Flight Helicopter received last minute briefing on the location of an injured rider before taking to the sky. From all reports, injuries were kept to a minimum which only reflects on the stature of participating riders and the in depth consideration given to the tracks used by the Central Tablelands Motorcycle Club. If you were one of the unlucky injured riders – I wish you a speedy recovery. Next time remember, ‘if in doubt, power out. If unsure, give it more!’
As the last riders re-entered the staging area, the Committee members commenced the Presentation. Once again there were over $20,000 worth of Sponsor’s accessories given away to participating riders excluding the two KTM Sportmotorcycles. Not a bad effort – well done to all those concerned. This year the Committee received 667 riding registrations – one more than the legendary satanic number of the beast……and you wouldn’t believe it….my good friend Phil was issued with that bloody 666 number. Needless to say, I kept my distance from Phil as I was too concerned about what might happen if I shared the tracks with him! If you don’t believe me, check out the photo I took!
This year the winner of the 2005 KTM 450exc and the KTM 50 Pro Senior was Bill Dimech of North Richmond and Stephen Arcus of Ryde – respectively. Well done guys and I thank you for your kind words of support and thanks which I have personally passed on to KTM. Bill, next year I promise to put fuel in the KTM 450 so it can be ridden and jumped off stage – not!
When I look back on the Rally, to the previous night around the fire while the band was pumping out their tunes and the snow was falling on us, I realize that we didn’t have to take home a Sponsor’s Prize or even the KTM 450 exc to make us winners – we were all winners for simply being a part of such a great event – one that will go down in history as legendary, I’m sure.
The 2005 KTM Sunny Corner Trail Bike Rally………….BRING IT ON!