A mix of ADV and small single

[GarryMember]

Ah well, after working the butt off for the last 12 months for an ungrateful arrogant pig-headed asswipe of a boss I had recently become unemployed after quitting and advising him that he place his job in a certain body orifice from whence surgery would be required to extract it, I now have time on my hands.

And with the mighty DR having been so very neglected due to the job (had only done 1700kms since June 2009) I figured some catching up would be in order and so on waking to yet another glorious south coast day it was decided to head to the usual haunts around the back of Fitzroy Falls for a small ride. Given I had not ridden the bike off-road for a while I figured I would take it easy and just do a few fire trails, the usual much enjoyed single track and maybe the sandpit before heading off home, all up hoping for around an hour or so as my fitness is even worse than ever.

So it was up the usual way, into the back of Fitzroy Falls and along the usual road, but I found a big surprise.

Instead of the usual pot holes, bumps and rougher patches I found a damn regraded piece of dirt that took a lot of fun away, after all with no potholes in the way I could just accelerate away and have fun. I mean, for gods sake the old mud pit just beyond the creek had even been filled in and the only real ‘hill’ was now so flat you could almost skateboard it, although in fairness there were a few new erosion mounds to launch off and minor creek channelling to play though.

Now, off to find that usual piece of much enjoyed track
[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJv9mr9rph8[/yt]

Just a little further along is the entry to the track I was after and so it was off onto the Firetrail, a trail that I always enjoy even when the bike lays down on it (not today) as it is a mixed bag of track for someone of my limited ability. Although anyone with ability would kick this track hard, I do enjoy what it offers and potter along at my slow pace but today it seemed as though the track had not seen traffic for some time so was even better.

The first part.
[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aBEIo5gJEc[/yt]

And so it was that I needed a quick drink before the single, which of course means more pics.

So, now to head there.

And this is the track on video
[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpnwG_BFDBs[/yt]

Had been trying to get a good video of that track for a while so the new camera came in handy after all.

Near the end of the video you may hear me say something as there was an object that caught my eye to the left of the track, so I returned to get some pics.

Was very surprised actually as despite the state of it, there was no real ‘rotten’ smell around, nor that many flies, mind you give a little bit of heat and I suspect that to change real quick.

From here it was down for a quick play in the sandpit where I took a couple of pics and a video to show my complete gumbyness.

Glad I took this water slow as the depth would have caused my gumbyness major problems (and yep, was deeper than I remember the rut – lol)
[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwwC30V1tj0[/yt]

From here it was just out and about on the usual track, took a small side trail and, well, watch the video – I knew it had to happen some time on bloody video.
[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBq_PSJi_Gg[/yt]

Now in my defence may I say that my gumbyness, mixed with a track that was so slippery it was like clay all played a part in the ‘incident’ although it could have been worse as my head ended up hitting a trailside bush truck around 3 inches thick – just reminded me that helmets are good.

And so it was a slow but steady, gumby fuelled pussy footing along the track from there on as there were heaps of puddles and mud to negotiate, all done with anything but ease although no more incidents until re-emerging back on the main firetrail.

Now it was time to head out and so it was off home, but still wanting to test the camera I decided to try a few more videos.

This is Gunrock Creek FT and is one of my more favourites, although I prefer the opposite end of it. It is fast and open with no real obstacles although in places you need to be a little careful (well, I do anyway) as there are rocks, or a change of surface and the area does have wildlife that wander.
[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvpBkgd_0M8[/yt]

That out of the way it was onto the regraded Redhills for the return to Fitzroy Falls
[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpaPW-xPHYE[/yt]

And that people was a good fun, slow first ride in the area for 7 months, way to long actually as I enjoyed it heaps and so needed it.

Gaz

[Nick JacksonMember]

I’ve missed this ride report in the past and it’s great one Gaz !!

Thanks for sharing all the pics and movies

Nick

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