Some more ADV/Offroad fun in Meryla

Yup, back after a small break and with the muscles feeling somewhat soothed after a nice hot shower I guess it is time to write a little report and throw in some pics, so here goes.

The day dawned looking miserable with clouds rolling off the escarpment, but then what day doesn’t start like that of late so it was out and through the clouds to the meet place at Gwen Road where I was met by John (Mekon). Shortly afterwards we were joined by Richie, DZ, Zippa and Joel with Rats making the bride like late entry.

From here it was a straightforward jaunt along Redhills FT for the run through to Gunrock Creek FT, all the while managing a good pace but bring in mind that we had a wide variety of bikes. So we continued along Gunrock Creek FT with a few guys taking a slight sidetrack deviation, all exiting with big grins so one could say they seemed to enjoy themselves.

It was now onto the fast Meryla FT, and yes it can be bloody quick but care is still required due to animals and the tight right and narrow track that appears all to suddenly, but nobody was caught our and we all made our way to Meryla Road. Turning right it was onto the road for a short distance before taking another right onto the track that winds its way to the old mine.

This is a good fun piece of track, although far more overgrown than the last time I was on it but all seemed to enjoy themselves, particularly the two strommers in the creek.

And so a short rest was had which allowed for Rats eyes to return from saucer to normal size and a smile to creep across his face as he had not dumped it in front of an audience – well done Rats!!!

So we all remounted the bikes and made our way to the old coal mine where a further regroup, wander and look around was enjoyed.

Now, I didn’t take any pics here but know a few guys did so hopefully they will throw theirs into the mix for all to enjoy but after a bit of exploration and wandering around the local history it was off in search of the plane wreck. So we returned to Meryla road with a few ‘moments’ had by some on the way, but all good before finding our way to Patons FT where we turned left and headed for the wreck.

Now this is where this little fat so-and-so found a way to waste some time as he stopped at the wrong spot and we all spent a bit of time searching for a wreck that was not there, although one amongst us did stop a corner to early – not by choice I suspect. Mind you, I usually approach from the opposite direction so the mistake was understandable – or so I will convince myself but after a while it was realised and we quickly headed a little further along and we quickly found what we were after.

So again a look at the local history, albeit a rather solemn and thought provoking piece of history as we learnt about the history surrounding the incident and mumbled aloud about the scene – interesting does not do it justice in my mind.

So after the wandering and contemplating the poor souls, we headed to the lookout to enjoy the views into the valley below, only to find wreckage of cars and household junk – seriously some people need to be slapped about the head the way they treat the bush.

Well from here we headed back for a little play in ‘the area’ where a good time was had by all, with all bikes slipping, sliding and some nearly submerging as we played boy racers in what felt for a time like our own little piece of land. I say for some time as all to soon we heard more bikes and found ourselves interwoven with guys (and lone gal) from DBW off on their first Meryla adventure.

But we had more plans and so it was off, out Paton’s onto Meryla Road and back to the quarry area where Rats was to bid us farewell as we had decided to venture on home, whilst Richie, John, Zippa and myself decided to take the little sidetrack challenge, a challenge passed by all with flying colours where we rejoined DZ and Joel in the quarry for another small little break. Special mention should be made here of the job done by Richie to avoid the rolling rock and by Zippa in getting the mighty DR up the little hill to the back of the quarry – well done guys.

From here we continued along the parallel track back to Gunrock Creek where this doofus tried to submerge a certain Blue DR in the creek by getting offline and finding a hole that he found a tad deeper than expected, only to be saved by John who helped right the DR whilst his own Kawasaki fell over in sympathy – thanks again John. All saved, secured we continued along Gunrock FT’s where we split with John and Richie doing the Falls FT whilst the remainders followed the Creek FT to meet back up later on in order to tackle some little tracks elsewhere.

All back together with perfect timing (all arrived at once) we went into the forests opposite for a small play along one of my more favourite tracks, which whilst short is quite a good challenge and quick which I hope all enjoyed, the smiles looked as though they did.

The day was wearing on a bit, so it was off to the sandy quarry for another play where some bikes were swapped, some laid down, some nearly laid down and many bodies became totally knackered – all in the name of fun.

Once we were all done we headed back to Gwen Road, with a slight detour to the old hut before we all went our separate ways, hopefully all having enjoyed ourselves – I know I had a blast.

And so endeth the historical tour.

All pics – http://gazza67.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-Rides/16-1-10-Meryla/10957584_5nVkU/1/765633463_TcEVU

Slideshow – http://gazza67.smugmug.com/photos/swfpopup.mg?AlbumID=10957584&AlbumKey=5nVkU

Gaz