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We had a bit of a ride on 4th feb, dirt bike only
and the idea (Alan) was to have a look at some camping sites along the Dargo River. Miners Flat Track was the first point to visit and as it turned out, the only one. Adventure or Misadventure? So although I (we) am a bit sore today and don't wish to repeat
the experience i didn't think
As you can see on the map there is only one way in and from the
photos you will see that |
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David, Alan and myself at my front gate where I joined them,
Mt Delusion Rd to Parslows to Birregun to Dinner Plain Trk, and we set off---- young and full of confidence--(ageist comment) |
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As we started to head in on Miners Flat Trk. the track was
ok but with ominous views in to a very steep valley. I was seriously having doubts at this point. The XLV is not for this sort of country or at least not with this rider, its all to to with rider strength and stamina (ageist comment). |
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At this point we have come down a series of drops with one
more before the bottom. I can honestly say I am very worried at this point as the track, not only steep but very washed out by thunderstorm activity is the last few weeks. That little voice is sure I should have stopped way back at the beginning. Below, Alan and David arrive shortly----David thinks brakes are so worn now as to be metal to metal! |
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I go first and blast up to the first flat point (earlier
shots before bottom). Hear David begin and then silence, walk down to where he came to grief (left) Alan is helping, they obligingly smile for the photo then I help to push bike up to a bit of a flat spot. We are already knackered.  |
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After a bit of a breather David gets going and makes it to
the first flat where i am. Alan is next and makes it ok (below left) |
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I think its fair to say we are all very aware that this is just one of 4 steep pinches. |
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For the next steep section I put the camera
away but it wouldnt have mattered anyway I guess-----Alan went first and after a short easy section there is a bend with lots of loose rock and a bit of a ledge---- Alan is stopped about where the right arrow is when I come around and i dont really know what happened (may have slowed because of Alan being stopped) but after keeping good line (that weight up front helps sometimes) I lost speed and stopped opposite Alan (left arrow). Tried to get going again but when the back wheel breaks loose its hard to control and loss of footing means a big drop. Came off hard, bike badly down, sorry didnt take photo, David appeared on corner below and stopped. Came and helped get XLV down to area you see it here. Alans bike also down to this area. David contemplating removing box to help rear weight bias-- 
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Interestingly the problem suffered by the
very light modern bike (ttr) as compared to the older big and heavy (xlv) is much the same, gearing. The TTR is running its standard ratios which are far to high for the bike, it required lots of revs and slipping to get going for this hill when it should have been a breeze (to get going). When David did have a go he made it! (LEFT) The bike is geared low, it wasnt running well but he was still able (enormous talent obviously) to get out and be the rescue party for the other two. The XLV would need a younger, stronger or much fitter rider (ageist comment) to do it fast. I was too lacking in energy to have another go after its first stop. Its shaft drive make ratio changes difficult but if you were serious a wheel should be re-laced to a 16inch rim with a low profile knobby and the forks lowered through the triple tree. It doesn't lack power! |
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And so, with David making his way to the
top (remember he had a fair way to go through steep and
rough country) Alan and I started to walk up to the top (or
mobile phone contact). We didnt know if David had made it
out so staying at the lower point was no good. We had to be
able to ring out and see if he had made it or else find him unconscious under his bike! |
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Its a long way we can assure you, and
steep, but eventually we made it to mobile range and could tell that David had made it. So, we settled down under a tree at the first flat on the Miners Flat Trk. and waited for the cavalry------  which duly arrived----in the form of a smiling David, been home, got his 4wd, picked up my trailer, and come to rescue Alan and self--- |
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We drove back down and decided to put the bikes on
while pointing downhill then turn round and get out!!! The XLV is on |
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The TTR is on--- a bit of careful to'ing and fro'ing (below)--- |
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Very scenic (above) |
And its off with all aboard! |
