Lotsa’s Watagans to the Pub Run

[Jeffrey SmithMember]

We all met up just off the freeway ready to go on a cool but clear morning, with just MickP and son of MickP (Nick) to come we headed to the start point to get ready for what was to be a briliant day of cruisy grade 3 riding. Eventually MickP and Nick turned up, (they were actually on time but the rest of us were early, keen you might say)and we were soon on our way with Lotsa at the front, me in the sweep position and Justo, 383, Tryhard, MickP n Nick in the pack.
It was a bit cool on the fire trail at first but within a couple of minutes we headed into the first singles for the day. This was my first time as sweep rider and I must say that the pace was just perfect for me for the most part(the best part was no-one saw my first little lie down). It wasn’t long before the blood was pumping and the sweat started flowing, not having done a lot of single trail for a while I was struggling early but soon got into the swing of it.
Before long we started thinking about heading to the pub but realised it was still only 9.30 so it was back into some more singles and what was becoming more of a grade 4 ride at times rather than the stated “cruisy grade 3” but no-one was complaining.

Eventually we headed up Gough’s Trail as we made our way to Millfield and we made a pit stop at Flatrock to take in the view as 383 had never been there.

Tryhard had a less than magic moment as he flipped the big KTM530 at about 80Km/h. We had just regrouped at a farm gate and when we took off, instead of waiting for everyone else to go first I took of with a bit of a wheelie then slowed down to wait for everyone else to pass. Now apparently my wheelie along with someone elses inspired Tryhard and thats when the touble came. Unfortunately as I hadn’t waited at the back, I didn’t see it but MickP did and apparently it was spectacular.

From there we headed into Millfield and refueled then on to Ellalong Pub for a well earned lunch with everyone eating there fill and some over doing it. If your in that area it’s not a bad feed.

After that we headed back into the forest through a brilliant gravel road that just wound it’s way back and forth between the farms. Then it was up, up and up into the mountains and back into some more single and twin trail.

We came down this one which is an old coach road I was told.

The boys gas bagging on the trail.

I didn’t get any action photo’s as there wasn’t time at the back, Lotsa should have a few though.

So we started about 9 and finished a bit after 4 with everyone having agreat day out and me absolutely knackered. Thanks to Lotsa for leading and everyone else for making it a good day.

[WayneMember]

Good report Jeffro and thanks for volunteering to sweep.

Seven of us gathered at the designated spot. Everybody was early which was unexpected. Eager to ride I suppose and why not with the expectation of a great day ahead.

Some of the boys waiting for the start….. I think a few of us were on the All Bran Challenge.

Nic (son of MickP) finally comes out for a ride. The bowlo the night before didn’t seem to do him any harm. He was behind me whenever I looked around.

Tryhard wins the dirtiest helmet award before we even started.

We took of and into single trail for a bit of a warm up for a couple of hours before it was time to start heading over to Millfield.

Justo in action

Nic

Guess where we were

Wave rock

We stopped to regroup and there was a bit of a wait so Justo went back to investigate and came back with the offenders.

Tryhard survived his front wheel over the back wheel excursion

Over the hill and onto Flat Rock Lookout

Jeffro giving it the thumbs up

I was getting hungry and thirsty so we fire trailed to Millfield for fuel. They told me they are waiting approval for an alcohol licence so the next time it may be a one stop shop for fuel, food and a beer. No beer yet so off to Ellalong pub.

Ellalong pub

I couldn’t even finish my steak sanga with the lot. Good meals there. Satisfied we rode down Congewai Rd to Rope Road and back along Watagan Forrest Road and hit single trail again at Muir Lookout.

Coach track

Don’t you hate it when someone has a camera when your bike has a lay down. Even if it was a 2kph.

When we reached the bottom of this trail it was a short blast back to the cars.

Tryhards’s wounds from the flip

Thanks to everyone who participated and it interesting talking to 383hq who has ridden mostly in Victoria. Hope to see you again 383.

stay upright
lotsa

[GregMember]

Excellent reports guys well done

TB

[julianMember]

The short story – What a top ride.

The long story – we’re lucky to have guys like Lotsa onboard and up front. This guys’ got the ability to seamlessly join single tracks, dual tracks, fire trails and transport sections over 100+km’s of trails. What a maginificant ride – he lead us through tracks that had something for everyone – point and squirt trails for the WOT guys’, and tight single tacks for those that treat corners a little more surgical like (Myself – I’m in the third, unmentioned catagory – “legs and arms” with only two choices available – hang on via throttle or clutch).

Just as important – Jeffro bringing up the sweep position – another top job, I’d be buggered if I could ride, and ride, and continue to ride, always bringing up the rear like that, with minimal time to recoup.

My second ride in around 18months was an absolute ball, and I pulled up much better this time round – The day after and I can comfortably use most of my muscles without grimacing Yah…..

Not sure I’m a fan of those Watagan style rocky trails that seem to be a feature up this way though – I can see them catching you out under wet conditions fairly quickly. (Practice is my only option, at least that’s what I’m gunna tell the minister for war and finances).

Thanks to all the guys in between Lotsa and Jeffro – great day + great blokes = great ride.

[Mick PilgrimMember]

Thanks gain Wayne for a great ride and Jeffro for sweeping and making sure I made the finish.
My vision/balance problem really kicked in on Sat. night with a callout for the doctor on Sunday morning as I could not get up out of bed without dizziness and vomitting. His diagnosis was an inner ear virus causing vertigo, an injection and rest were his recommendation. Feeling much better tonight and hopefully will be pretty right tomorrow.(I might have to change my name to Wobbles as my wife reckons I look like Daffy Duck wobbling around the house)
I bet Joe is suffering a few bruises after his off and a sore ear when his wife got hold of him (as he is going O/S on hols soon).
Nickp really enjoyed the ride, a good bunch of blokes.
Hope to catch up again soon.

Mick

[murph the surfMember]

Looks like you fella’s also had a great ride on Saturday.:woohoo:
The lunch at the pub looked the goodsB)
I know where “Wave Rock” is but I’m unfamiliar with “the coach rd”. Any easy way of describing where it is???
Cheers:cheer:
Murph

[Jeffrey SmithMember]

Murph the surf wrote:

Quote:

I know where “Wave Rock” is but I’m unfamiliar with “the coach rd”. Any easy way of describing where it is???
Cheers:cheer:
Murph

Not from me Murph, I was just a passenger. Either Lotsa or MickP would be the best men to answer that.

[murph the surfMember]

Thanks anyway Jeffro
Cathcya’s out there one day
Cheers:cheer:
Murph

[Anonymous]

That looks like an AWESOME ride and I missed it. I’m glad you boys had a ball though. How big are the meals at the Ellalong pub?? I’ll have to get back there again soon….

Nice ride report too guys

[JoeMember]

mickp wrote:

Quote:

I bet Joe is suffering a few bruises after his off and a sore ear when his wife got hold of him (as he is going O/S on hols soon).

Mick

Great ride with a good mixture of single & open trail.
I had a bit of an off (my fault :blush:) well finally flipped the kato.
I was quite sore for a few days infact i’m still sore now.
Still a great day with no broken bones:P .
Thanks all who were there.
Tryhard

[jamieMember]

Great looking trip there fellas,
Makes me want a ride then a burger then a beer.
Whats that rock like to ride up? looks slick in the pics.

Cheers

[GregMember]

Yes this looks as though it was a phat ride, sorry I missed it as well, who would have thought when we started OBT there would be so many quality rides on the same weekends

TB

[Dwayne OMember]

Yeah, A great ride there I missed too:(

Every weekend brings more quality rides & gatherings TB, you blokes have started a great thing;)

I used to go Rock Climbing at Flat Rock, almost got a brown snake injection at the top of a climb a few years back :unsure: Long way from quick assistance :blink:
It is a top place though;)

Hope this ride is run again some day so we can get onboard Lotsa ???
Cheers

[WayneMember]

mickp wrote:

Quote:

My vision/balance problem really kicked in on Sat. night with a callout for the doctor on Sunday morning as I could not get up out of bed without dizziness and vomitting. His diagnosis was an inner ear virus causing vertigo, an injection and rest were his recommendation. Feeling much better tonight and hopefully will be pretty right tomorrow
Mick

Bloody hell Mick it’s amazing you stayed on the bike. Glad to hear you’re feeling better.

I thought it might have been the top of Wave Rock that gave you vertigo.

[WayneMember]

Murph the surf wrote:

Quote:

I know where “Wave Rock” is but I’m unfamiliar with “the coach rd”. Any easy way of describing where it is???
Cheers:cheer:
Murph

Murph I’ll have a go.
Go downhill past Muirs Lookout which is Prickly Ridge Rd and you pass two roads on your left that take you down Cut Rock Rd. Take the third left , which has a big tree overhanging the track and switches back on itself. This is Plank Hill Rd. Follow for 3Km or so and arrive at a T intersection. You will see single trail between the main tracks on the left. That is the bottom of the coach track.
When you get to the top you’ll know where it comes from. Haha

Failing that come on the next exploration ride.

Twobanger, if you mean the Coach Track it’s ok to get up. If you mean Wave Rock, I wouldn’t give it a go.
Maybe a Husky could do it though!!

Eagle, I’ll run this again if there is interest and I can drop it a grade if needed.

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