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1 Responsible Four Wheel Driving And Family Touring TRACK March 2012 Newsletter Torque The President s Page Inside this issue: Members Page Minutes from February General Meeting Minutes from 2011 AGM Trip Reports Club trips Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 1

2 WANGARATTA 4X4 CLUB President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Committee Members Social Coordinator Membership Property Newsletter Editor Trip Coordinator 4WD Victorian Representative Web Master Publicity Officer Merchandise Sergeant At Arms Past President David Jackson David Blore Bruce Gooday Ian Watkins David Blore Craig Cheetham Maria Lucas Tom Barnard Craig Cheetham Terry Dillon Andrew Brown Ron Beurs Ron Beurs David Robinson WEBSITE: The Wangaratta 4WD Club has evolved from a few members in 1983, to a membership of over 40. The Club is made up of individuals and families who are interested in responsible Four Wheel Driving. There is no restriction on the make or type of four wheel drive vehicle, and there is always plenty of variety and camaraderie amongst members. Where we live: Members live all over the North East and beyond, including from Benalla, Beechworth, Glenrowan, Milawa, Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Goorambat, Tatong and Melbourne. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club is a member of the Victorian Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs. Affiliations: Members of our club are proud to be part of the Adopt a Hut Program and work with Parks Victoria to look after Top Crossing and Lake Cobbler huts. We are also affiliated with the South Coast Four Wheel Drive Club based at Wollongong, and the Four Wheel Drive Club of WA. Current members of the respective clubs are entitled to Reciprocal Membership.. Membership: Single or family $80 p.a. General Meetings are held on the 2 nd Tuesday of the month, generally at the North East Car Club Rooms, Tarrawingee Recreation Reserve, commencing 8.00pm. There is no meeting in January. Please refer to the club calendar. Visitors are always most welcome. : Newsletter Contributions may be forwarded to Editor : Maria Lucas : editor@wangaratta4x4club.org.au Editorial Deadline Usually 1 st of the month. This is your newsletter so be a part of it and send any articles of interest, comments, birthdays, etc, to the editor. Advertising: $80.00/yr. Please contact the editor for further details. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the articles in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the editor or of Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc. The editor reserves the right to delete any section of any article, or reject any article, which has been sent in for publication in the Newsletter. Front Cover: Zeka Spur trip Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 2

3 The Presidents Page That's it, another club year over. The AGM will no doubt bring a new group of committee members to steer the club into 2012/13. As I detailed last month my sincere thanks to all committee members for their effort this year. As I ponder the 'year that was' and my original aspirations for the club, I feel we've grown in many areas during the year - our club meetings are a joy to attend, it's great to see the increased comradiaship among our members. Our physical club membership is on a healthy upwards trend, thanks to those that have brought their friends along and recommended us as a good club to belong to. Our club finances have taken a couple of shots in the arm from various grants which has seen our club equipment levels increase and the necessary finance to extend and expand a variety of training opportunities to all club members during this next club year. On the down side - I wanted to see more club trips and new trip leaders during my tenure, unfortunately this has not happened or changed much from previous years. I take responsibility for this - I didn't really realise just how busy our people actually are, and no matter the effort or enthusiasm from the committee, family and business commitments take preference. For this to change, it will need a different approach in the new year with those that are able, to step up when they can and lead a trip because 'somebody else will probably not do it if they can't). It only takes 12 or so members to put their hands up and we've got a full calendar to start with. It's great to see Ian, a new member already leading a trip shortly. A good start to Over the last 4 months I've had a variety of health problems that has retarded my drive and enthusiasm for all things including our club, my apologies and thanks to those that have taken up the slack. I've just returned from the Adelaide Caravan and Camping Show which found me collected by ambulance at 5.30 am one morning with massive chest pains. Results were 'all clear' if that is really possible. I must confess that as I was being trollied to the ambulance - after telling Chrissy I loved her and goodbye - I made peace with my maker, because I didn't think I'd be back. The last 4 months has seen one episode after another with totally different health issues each time - all with no real explanation. What it has done though is to make Chris and I focus on what's important in life and to re-evaluate where and what we plan for over the next few years. I'm sitting here at home on the back porch watching the flood waters rise, content with how our club has evolved through the last year. I've had 2 members around helping me lift gear up out of harms way, and another 3 offers of help if required. I've made some really good friends over the last few years in the club and that to me is what's most important, thanks for allowing me the privilege of the presidency over the last 12 months - I hope to get out and about a bit more next year as hopefully my life slows down a bit. dj Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 3

4 Members Page CLUB APPAREL Club Tee Shirts, badgers, jumpers, windcheaters, etc are available from STEER Clothing - 52 Norton St, Wangaratta opposite the Wangaratta station. Phone: (The club shirt should be a dark green with gold embroidery.) First Aid Training Subsidised first aid training for active club members will be held at the North Eastern Car Club Rooms on the weekend of 5-6 May The cost to members who participate is $50.00 each, payable in advance and not later than the April 10 General Meeting. There is an upper limit on the number who can participate on that weekend so confirmation of bookings by way of early payment will confirm your spot. Registration and payment can be lodged with the secretary at either the March or April general meetings. Those who successfully complete the course will receive a nationally recognised qualification and certificate (commonly known as First Aid Level2). An equivalent course conducted through Gotafe costs $ Squires Sports & Mowers Sales & Repairs Mowers, Brushcutters, Chainsaws, Wood Heaters & Bicycles Trevor & Terese Squires 53 Nunn Street, Benalla 3672 Phone/Fax: squiressportsmowers@bigpond.com Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 4

5 Meeting chaired by President David Jackson Minutes of General Meeting 14 Feburary 2012 Present & Apologies: As per attendance book. Welcome: Visitors Graeme and Helen Martin were welcomed Program: Three Moods of the Simpson talk and photos by B Gooday Minutes of December meeting: Approved Stan Williams, Barry Burns Correspondence: In: Dept of Justice new rules approved YMCA Community Raffle cheque $ City of Wangaratta Community Grant $ NECC use of club rooms Newsletters Nissan 4WD club Cross Country Jeep Club ARB 4x4 Action Summer Edition Treasurer: General Account $ (includes $ grant money) Term Deposit $ Trip Reports: Pinnacles / Zeka Spur Murray McEachern (+ video) Future Trips/Activities: Beyond Hotham 22 Mar-1 Apr Recce Toolangi 3-4 Mar Open Forum: Craig C has LC wheels, stock Jeep wheels, and new FJ Cruiser wheels and tyres for sale. D Jackson has earth mats and water tank for sale. General Business: Subsidised first aid training will be held on 5-6 May 2012 members required to register and pay $50 in advance. Club by-laws: Graham Abotomey, Scott French, Andrew Brown, Tom Barnard and Bruce Gooday agreed to prepare a proposal for members to consider. Meeting closed at 9.50pm GUEST SPEAKER for the MARCH GENERAL MEETING Tom will present the year that was. There will be some great footage and photos of what we got up to on trips during 2011/12. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 5

6 Wangaratta 4WD Club Minutes of Annual General Meeting 8 March 2011 Meeting opened: 8.45pm Minutes of 2010 AGM approved on the motion of T Dillon / T Barnard President s report: Outgoing president David Robinson addressed the meeting outlining the year s activities. Treasurer s report: The audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2010 were circulated to those present and received on the motion of D Jackson / D Clarke. President David Robinson vacated the chair in favour of Sue Abotomey who chaired the meeting for the election of office bearers All committee positions were declared vacant. Nominations received: President: David Jackson Vice president: David Blore Secretary: Bruce Gooday Treasurer: Ian Watkins Committee: Tom Barnard David Blore Craig Cheetham Dean Cunico Terry Dillon Maria Lucas There being sufficient vacancies to accommodate all nominees, all were declared duly elected to the committee for Sue Abotomey vacated the chair in favour of President David Jackson President s address: David Jackson addressed the meeting and outlined his objectives for the year. Ron Beurs was nominated as Sergeant at Arms for General Business Moved Graham Abotomey, seconded Ron Beurs: That the subscription for be set at $ Motion carried. Meeting closed 9.20pm Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 6

7 Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc. Notice of Annual General Meeting 2012 The AGM of the Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club will be held on Tuesday 13 March 2012 in the North East Car Club rooms at Tarrawingee. The meeting will commence at 8.00pm. The election of office bearers for will be held at the AGM. Members are invited to use the form below to nominate candidates for the various positions. If nominating for one of the six Committee positions, nominees should express a preference for any one, or several, of the tasks listed below the nomination form. The incoming President will allocate tasks to committee members according to expressed preferences and to circumstances from time to time. The position of Sergeant at Arms is determined by a separate process and is not necessarily held by a committee member. The composition of the current committee, and the allocation of tasks to committee members, can be found on the inside cover of the club newsletter. Completed nomination forms should be forwarded or handed to the Secretary prior to the commencement of the AGM. Election to positions will be by a show of hands on the night Nomination Form Position President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Committee (6) Nominee: Nominated by: Seconded by: Committee preference: 4WD Vic Editor Meeting Program Regional Rep Membership Property Social Coordinator Training Trip Coordinator Webmaster. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 7

8 Victorian High Country Huts Association VHCHA For information about huts please visit VHCHA website : This site has further information on the Victorian High country huts and activities associated with each area. Our club is a member of this organisation, with Graham Abotomey our representative. FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA Driving In A Sustainable Environment For more information visit the website: The following information has been taken from E-news and the FWD Victoria website. If you would like to receive a free copy of E-news, the Fwd Vic office and ask to be placed on the list. office@fwdvictoria.org.au 4WD Victoria on Facebook & Twitter We are now on Facebook and Twitter, so be sure to Like us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter to receive exciting updates, enjoy additional offers and be part of the 4WD Victoria Community. Club/Member Pricing on Training Courses Reduced Their will be no better time than 2012 to participate in one of 4WD Victoria s Training Courses. Pricing for Clubs & Members has been reduced by up to 32% enabling clubs and individuals to take advantage of the extensive range of courses that 4WD Victoria offers. New Training Courses for WD Victoria s ETU (Education & Training Unit) have been working hard over the past months to be able to provide a range of New Training Courses for both Clubs and Individual Members. Detailed below is a listing of the New Courses (for further information refer to 4WD Victoria website: Intermediate 4WD Course (one day course) Club / Member Price $ (incl GST) 4WD Driver Awareness Course (one day mid week course) Club / Member Price $ (incl GST) Winch Recovery Course (one day course) Club / Member Price $ (incl GST) Chainsaw Course (Forest Products Competency) Club / Member Price $ (incl GST) Chainsaw Course (Two Day / Dual Competency Course RTC2304A plus FPICOR2205A / FPICOT2204B & 2221B) Club / Member Price $ (incl GST) Chainsaw Refresher Course (incl Forest Products Competency) Club / Member Price $ (incl GST) Map Reading & Introduction to GPS (incl Geoscience Australia Map Reading Guide & Vicmap Topographic Map Index) club / Member Price $50.00 (incl GST GPS Course (includes a copy of GPS Vehicle Navigation in Australia by Robert Pepper) Club / Member Price $50.00 (incl GST) Introduction to OziExplorer Course (includes a copy of GPS Vehicle Navigation in Australia by Robert Pepper) Club / Member Price $50.00 (incl GST) Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 8

9 Discount for Club Bookings on 4WD Victoria Training Courses: Club bookings of 10 participants or more on a single course, are eligible for a 10% group discount. Only one Invoice will be issued, and payment must be paid in full prior to the commencement of the course. Discount does not apply to less than 10 participants, but additional participants may be added. For further details contact the office on or office@fwdvictoria.org.au 4WD Victoria Calendar Photography Competition In WD Victoria are going to produce a calendar. The concept is for each of the twelve months to carry a full page image of a scene containing a 4WD Photos provided to 4WD Victoria will be automatically entered into our monthly Photography Competition, in which photos submitted will be judged, with each of the monthly winning photos being used as one of the calendar s twelve monthly images. Each monthly winner selected by our judges will receive a 4WD Gift voucher to the value of $ (incl GST), monthly winners will also go in to a Final Draw to be held on Monday 3rd December 2012 for the Major Prize of a Digital Camera to the value of $400 (incl GST) So come on all you budding shutter bugs, get you entries in for your chance to win some great prizes. Further details are available in the February Edition of Trackwatch Magazine (pages 30 & 31). Campfire safety warning As the weather warms up for the summer holidays the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria are reminding people to take care when putting out campfires. State Duty Officer Andrew Graystone said: Not putting out a campfire properly can lead to disastrous consequences for communities and the environment. A lot of Victorians will be going camping in the next few months and we want them to be vigilant with their campfires even when the weather isn t hot, Mr Graystone said. People who leave campfires unattended, light them on days when they aren t permitted or light them without taking appropriate precautions can be fined. It s particularly important to remind people that they must put their campfires out properly, using water not soil, before leaving their campsites, even for a short time. Campfires can easily turn into bushfires in this warm and windy weather if they are left unattended or not completely extinguished in fact, 10 per cent of fires are started by campfire escapes. Victoria is one of the most fire prone areas in the world and we can t take risks when it comes to campfires. Things to remember when lighting a campfire in the open air in parks, forests and most reserves: Don't light a campfire, or keep one alight, on dry, windy days. Most campfires escape when they are left unattended. Never, ever leave a fire unattended, even for a short while. Use a constructed fireplace where provided, or light the fire in a 30- centimetre-deep trench to prevent embers from flying out. In the area you are lighting the fire, clear three metres of ground and air space of flammable material, such as leaves and twigs. For gas, liquid fuel or chemical solid fuel clear an area of at least 1.5 metres. An adult must be present at all times and they must not move outside the line of sight of, or more than 50 metres away from, the fire or barbeque at any time Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 9

10 Keep your campfire just big enough for cooking and keeping warm for a campfire or solid fuel barbeque the area mustn t be more than one square metre and the maximum dimensions of the fuel must not be more than one metre in any direction Put your fire out properly with water not soil, even if going for a short walk or swim. Fires can still smoulder under soil. If a fire is cool to touch, it is safe to leave. Albury Wodonga s Complete 4WD Equipment Centre Toyota Landcruiser Club CruiserKhana (Yarck) 24th-25th March 2012 So you think you can four-wheel drive, and that your 4WD skills are pretty sharp? The Toyota Landcruiser Club of Australia (Victoria Branch) has thrown down the challenge to four-wheel drivers to compete in its annual CruiserKhana event, where competitors can win major prizes just by showing off your ability to skillfully drive your 4WD. The event consists of two classes: novice and experienced, catering for drivers of all experience levels. Unlike some events that cater for vehicles fitted with the most extreme modifications, the CruiserKhana is known as the thinking mans 4WD challenge, with the emphasis on the driver s skills, not the amount of modifications on his vehicle. Stock standard 4WDs are welcome it s the driver s skills, not how good his vehicle looks that will ultimately succeed! Staged on the TLCCV property at Yarck (approx 2 hours from Melbourne) on the weekend of 24-25th March 2012, competitors & spectators will be accommodated with a wide selection of camping sites and a three course meal available for those attending both days. Only a limited number of entrants can be DISCOUNT FOR CLUB MEMBERS Andrea Simmons ARB ALBURY Ph Fax asimmons@arb.com.au Hume Street Albury (Next to Hungry Jack s) accommodated, so first in guarantees your place in this unique 4WD event. A large number of quality prizes are on offer from major 4WD sponsors. Entries to Cruiserkhana are now open and full information can be obtained from the Clubs website or the Cruiserkhana website together with photos and a link to an action You Tube video which will give prospective competitors and spectators some interesting viewing. For those without computer access enquiries should be directed to Jeff on Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 10

11 Alpine National Park Due to recent weather conditions parks and tracks have been closed. Here is a short listing of the closures. For a full report follow the link to Closure Report Updated 9 March 2012 Dargo High Plains Long Spur Track. Eastern Alps Snowy River Road (or Barry Way) between Wulgulmerang & Jindabyne, NSW and access to the Willis area on the Snowy River and the Ingeegoodbie/MacFarlanes track network until further notice due to washout of Suggan Buggan River bridge at Suggan Buggan. Macs Creek Road. Cobberas Trail. MacFarlane Flat Track. Ingeegoodbee Track. Wombat Creek Track. Four Mile Creek Track. JP Track. Kellys Track. Davies Plain 4WD Circuit. Limestone Creek Track. McCarthys Track. Buckwong Track. Kings Plain Track. Tom Groggin Track. Nine Mile Creek Track - bridge works underway by DSE. Mansfield Bluff Link Road from 16 Mile Jeep Track to Howqua River. Upper Howqua Camping Area. Mount Beauty Dungey s Track (DSE estate). West Kiewa Logging Road (DSE estate) closed from intersection with Dungey s Track. Oriental Claims Historic Area Pedestrian bridge closed. Ah Fong Loop walking track closed. Upper Murray Blue Gum Ridge and Surveyors Creek 4WD tracks until further notice. Visitors advised to avoid the Indi River camps. Whitfield King Hut, Pineapple and Top Crossing tracks are open but please use caution due to high river levels at crossings. Basin Track. Burnt Top Track from Basin Track (Wild Horse to Basin Road). Long Spur Track. Sandy Flat Track. McMillans Track. Stockyard Track. Wabonga Track. Top Crossing Track. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 11

12 Wonnangatta-Moroka Dry River Walking Track/Bicentennial National Trail Howitt Road to Wonnangatta Valley and Guys Hut to Wonnangatta Valley. Wonnangatta access tracks from Dargo & Myrtleford are currently impassable due to high river levels on the Wonnangatta and Crooked Rivers. Access is only available via Zeka Spur. The Macalister, Caledonia and Dargo River catchments tracks should be avoided until river levels reside. River Red Gum Parks Due to recent heavy rains and floods, many of Victoria s River Red Gum parks and reserves along the Murray, Goulburn and Ovens Rivers have been closed to protect visitor safety and minimise track damage. Parks Victoria is urging licensed tour operators and visitors to take extreme caution when travelling in the area. Conditions are constantly changing as water levels can rise rapidly due to rain and release from local weirs. The following parks and reserves have been closed to protect public safety and minimise track damage. Barmah National Park Lower Goulburn National Park Gunbower National Park Shepparton Regional Park Lower Ovens section of Warby-Ovens National Park Murray River Reserves between Yarrawonga and Cobram, Cobram and Tocumwal, and Tocumwal and Barmah There is limited access to Murray River Reserves along the river from Barmah to Torumbarry, Gunbower to Swan Hill and from Wodonga to Bundalong. The Torrumbary Weir, Wills Bend and boat ramps from Echuca to Torumbarry are open and accessible by 2wd and 4wd. Parks Victoria will be working hard to progressively open sections of the River Red Gum parks as water levels recede and as risk assessments are completed by park rangers. However, some areas are expected to remain closed for some time due to extensive flood damage to tracks and facilities, or excess water in low-lying areas Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 12

13 Recovery Techniques & Equipment From the ARB 4x4 website, one of our great sponsors Safety Personal safety and the protection of property are paramount when considering 4WD recovery. Never attempt to recover a vehicle without all the necessary equipment. Only use equipment that is properly rated and in serviceable condition. If in doubt, don t use it. Ensure that only the people required for the recovery are present. All spectators should be kept at a safe distance. Ensure that there are good communications maintained between participants and bystanders at all times. This is best achieved by use of UHF radio. ARB recovery equipment comes in a range of high visibility safety colours. Different strap types are instantly recognisable and come with warning tags that include information such as strap type, rated capacity, material type and precautions. NOTE: Due to the nature of synthetic fibres, recovery straps require rest periods between use to return to their original length and capacity. Be aware that excessive pulls on a recovery strap over a short period of time can cause build up of heat and possible failure. Impact on environment Always consider your impact on the environment. As responsible 4WDers we are charged with caring for the areas we visit. During wet periods, 4WDs can have a devastating effect on our tracks. Long term damage can result in temporary or even permanent track closures. Before travelling, obtain a list of road closures from the relevant state conservation and environment office. If whilst 4WDing you come across an obstacle, consider a minimum of attempts at passing before trying to recover the vehicle. Excessive wheel spin can cause damage to both the track surface and vehicle components. Recovery points It is important to ensure that only correctly mounted and rated recovery points are used for vehicle recoveries. Check your vehicle manufacturers hand book for recovery point locations. Tie down points are not suitable for vehicle recovery so aftermarket recovery hooks should be sourced. Do not use a tow ball or tie down point as a recovery point. Tow balls are not made of high tensile material and have been known to fail from stress, with the potential to become lethal missiles. If you are unsure of the type of recovery points on your vehicle, consult the manufacturer. Recovery damper The ARB recovery damper is a device that has been designed to restrict the whipping action of a strap or winch cable in the event of failure, therefore reducing the possibility of vehicle damage and personal injury. Recovery dampers are now mandatory accessories for most 4WD competitions and the ARB recovery damper exceeds current minimum competition weight requirements. The damper is designed to be worn over the shoulders for ease of carrying and comes in highly visible safety orange with reflective tape for night use. The ARB recovery damper should be fitted to the middle third of a strap or winch cable. To install, simply pull apart the Velcro tabs and fold the damper over the strap/cable, then press the Velcroâ firmly back in place. Bow shackles Only bow shackles that are load rated should be used for vehicle recovery. Load ratings are visible on the shackle and will be in the form of WLL (working load limit) or SWL (safe working load). Shackles with a rating of at least 3.25t should be the minimum and are suitable for attaching one end of a strap. 4.75t rated shackles have a larger eye and are more suited to applications such as tree trunk protectors where two ends of the strap are fitted in the shackle. Never over-tighten the shackle pin. Forces exerted on the shackle by vehicle recovery can cause the pin to seize. The correct method is to tighten the pin until it seats, then back off the pin approximately ½ to 1 full turn. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 13

14 Black Range State Forrest/ Toolangi RECCE Trip Burkey, Kate & myself headed off towards Toolangi about 6:30pm Friday evening the 2nd March. Stopped off at Yark for a counter meal, then onto Glenburn for a fuel stop. Initially the Friday night plan was to only go to a campsite about 10 minutes out of Glenburn. But at 2:30am Saturday morning we decided to call it a night at a nice little campsite near one of the main Murrindindi roads. That night we checked out around five possible camping sites, and almost two dozen different tracks that we thought we might like to tackle on the official TOOLANGI trip. The few good tracks that spring to mind are Campsite tk, Martins tk, and Aeroplane tk, yet again another joint vehicle & walking track! Thankfully for us, Friday night was bone dry. Had we been driving these tracks Saturday night in the wet, they would have been a whole lot more fun (something to definitely do another day). Saturday morning, those who slept in, (me), woke to join the rest of the crew, the rain, the leeches and Kate squealing, at about 10am. (Let s just say the leeches were quite friendly and Kate wasn't so appreciative of their very forthcoming hospitality). We then had a bite to eat for breakfast and it was back on the road for another BIG day! In the wet this country was quite interesting. We trialled a few good tracks, by-passed some big bog holes that you could lose a Kenworth in, and then turned around at a bog hole that Burkey and Kate lost me in, (that's the last time I check the depth of a puddle for someone else!!)... In I went, and before I knew it I was in up to my neck, and flat on my back, LITERALLY! After a SECOND change of pants and underwear (thanks to the Carsons tk catastrophe), we were off again. Down some VERY slippery but not so steep tracks, then up very steep but not so slippery ones, and then we came to Rocky tk! Well, Rocky tk starts off as a nice smooth flat track, but about half way through it splits into four! The four options range from Very Difficult, Steep with many one foot vertical rock steps and ends up at Very, Very, Incredibly Difficult, Very steep with many four foot vertical rock steps! So, as usual, I took the roughest way down. It was a lot of fun but I swear my heart only started beating again once I got back on the flat bitumen. The Burke's took the other quite difficult option and made it look easy! After driving for 18 hours out of the 24 we were there. We thought we had just about covered enough to fill in a weekend and cater for between 4 and 6 vehicles, and as the rain started to get heavier, it was a unanimous decision that we head for home. That was at 6:30pm Saturday evening. After a quick stop at Yea for dinner, that was the first RECCE done! It isn't easy to fit 18 hours of solid driving into a 2 minute trip report, so I will say that between the three of us, we shared a lot of very funny moments that I have left out. But I am sure they will all be re-lived during the actual trip! YOU WILL JUST HAVE TO BE THERE!! Tom Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 14

15 Club Trips Please let a committee member know if you are interested in leading a trip. There are many experienced club members who are more than willing to assist you with some planning and to assist you on the day if you would like. CRUISERKHANA MARCH CONTACT: Tom Barnard The event is on in March and entry closes on the 9 th March, so if you re interested you have time to get organised and if you would like to have a look at this year s event just follow the link. INVITATION TO SPONSORS Nissan Beyond Hotham - The Program MARCH 22-APRIL 1 We would love to see some of our sponsors on our trips. Please check out the trips on the calendar and see if any might suit you. All you need to do is to give the contact person a call. CONTACT: David Jackson president@wangaratta4x4club.org.au or David Blore Beyond Hotham features a comprehensive range of day, overnight and village based activities. The Beyond Hotham Standard rate covers all trips and workshops in the 10 day program. All trips are graded for dry weather conditions however please note the grading can change depending on the weather. A briefing will be held prior to all day and overnight trips between 8:00am and 8:30am (unless otherwise stated) at the Transit Lounge, Resort Management Board office, Trips are to arrive back in the village by 4:30pm. The 2012 Event Schedule is now available. beyondhotham@mthotham.com.au to receive updates. Check out for details and registration. The Wangaratta 4WD club will be leading a trip on the 25 March Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 15

16 Club Trips BASIC PROFICIENCY TRAINING APRIL Destinations: Buckland Valley at the 19.2 km campground Oddly enough is at the 19.2 km mark up from the end of the bitumen OR from the Buckland Bridge on your LEFT. Watch for the club banner. The Plan: Kicking off Saturday 0900 hrs, Theory training at camp using vehicles and other training aids in place of sitting in a class room. Saturday Arvo Theory and practical - water crossings followed by a drive on easy tracks with driving instructors and experienced members coaching the less experienced. This will be a perfect introduction to new or inexperienced club members. We can learn some practical skills. Saturday night Stan and/or Tom may be talked into a short night drive. Sunday; More challenging tracks to test new skills learnt. Trip leader/s: Stan Williams & Tom Barnard Emergency Contact:. Bethne Contact phone numbers: Tom Please advise Tom Barnard ( ) if you wish to attend the training as we need to know numbers for planning and training materials etc. This is a weekend not to be missed! Even if you have already done the course, it is always a great weekend. Your experience and input will be very much appreciated. The more the merrier!! Arrive at Camp: Arrive at base camp any time before 0900 Saturday 14/4. Tom & maybe few others will be there Friday arvo (13 April). Training commences at 0900 sharp on Saturday. Return Home Date: Sundays drive will return to camp no later than 1500 hrs. Trip rating: Easy to Medium under instruction of the clubs trainers and experienced members Type of tyre tread recommended: Highway tyres or better with good tread Fuel requirements: Fill up before leaving Myrtleford Recovery gear: If you have it please bring it for show and tell, we may even get to use it. Don t forget protective gloves! Type of accommodation: Tents, camper trailers and caravans welcome, there are motels (in Bright & Proepunkah) available in town if the cool nights are a bit scary Personal equipment clothing etc: It could be cold and wet but also bring your swimming togs if you dare. Sturdy footwear is essential. Other Assistance: Help is required in setting up shelters, training equipment and demonstrations Sorry, but we can t have children attending the theory session Club Members not participating in the training are most encouraged to come along so please come and show your support. If you are able to bring good dry fire wood please do Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 16

17 Mt Pinnibar / Davis Plains May 2012 Meeting place is Benambra at 10:00 am Saturday morning 12 May. (I may stay in Omeo overnight Friday, but that's optional for others.) From Benambra we head towards Buenba Flat, and then onto Mt Gibbo and Mt Pinnibar (1772m). 360-degree views and possible lunch spot. After lunch we drop down (steeply) to Tom Groggin and then follow Davies Plain Track back to Benambra. Davies Plains is typical high plains vegetation and scenery and rises to over 1700m. Intention is to camp along the Davies Plains Track (northern end). Continue along Davies Plains Track on Sunday stopping at Davies Plains Hut and visiting the Mount Murphy Historical Area. It s a plan! I have not been on the track from Pinnibar to Tom Groggin so drivers need to cater for all eventualities. Davies Plain Track is subject to seasonal closure but should still be open prior to Queens Birthday weekend. If it is closed then other options are available from Mt Pinnibar. Will know before we start out. Limited to 6 vehicles. Good tyres a must. UHF channel 15. Trip Leader: Ian Barry ( ) barryimpm@gmailcom prior to 7 May. CLUB CALENDAR 2012 Remember club trips are not set in stone so there will be times when trip dates will be changed to suit members and the weather. Dates 2011 Destination Type of trip Proposed leader November November 6 Day at the Gardens Benalla November 7-11 Snowy River Medium Bruce Gooday November 8 Tarrawingee - North East Car General Meeting Club rooms November Jamieson to Woods Point Very Difficult Not for the faint hearted Tom Barnard and David Ashford November 22 TBA Committee Meeting December December 3-4 Santa Surprise Easy Committee December 13 Tarrawingee - North East Car Club rooms BBQ and General Meeting January 2012 January ZEKA Spur Medium David Blore January Wang Outdoors Show APEX Park Wangaratta Committee March Cruiserkhana For every level Tom Barnard March 22-April 1 Beyond Hotham Medium / Difficult David Jackson/David Blore April Buckland Valley Training Tom Barnard May 7 Mt Pinnibar medium Ian Barry Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 17

18 TRACk Torque March 2012 Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club A D PO Box 494 Wangaratta Responsible Four Wheel Driving And Family Touring Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2012 Page 18