subaru 4wd club of victoria - april 2014 magazine
DESCRIPTION
The monthly magazine of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc., online version for April 2014TRANSCRIPT
(ISSUE 402)
Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc.
Reg. No. A – 0006149J FWDV Member
www.subaru4wdvic.com.au PO BOX 2456
Mount Waverley VIC. 3149
Lerderderg & Wombat State Forest
April 2014
Page: 2
VOLKS-BARU
SUBARU and Volkswagen Specialist
Parts and Service Centre
We will smooth out your motoring costs with extremely
competitive prices, offering trade discounts to all Subaru
4WD Club of Victoria members on all parts and repairs.
John Bailey 1362 Heatherton Rd
Dandenong North 3175 Phone: (03) 9793 5655
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INTRODUCTION TO THE SUBARU 4WD CLUB
GENERAL MEETINGS South Camberwell Tennis Club Last Tuesday of each
322 Burke Road month at 8:00pm sharp Glen Iris (Melways 59 H6) (except December)
COMMITTEE Meetings 1st
Tuesday each month: 7:30pm
Damian Stock (President)
Jessica Walsh (Vice President)
Peter Bellis (Secretary)
Bob Marshall (Treasurer)
Martin Foot (OM: Trip & Social)
Michael Hartshorne (OM: Editor)
Andrew Jantke (OM: Membership)
Dale Rebgetz (OM: Resources)
Stephen Whittaker (OM: Venue)
Doug Greenall (Ordinary Member)
Phil Milkins (Ordinary Member)
The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. was originally formed over 30 years ago by an enthusiastic group of Subaru owners. Today the club has expanded to include all Subaru 4WD and AWD vehicles, as well as all other makes of AWD, light 4WD and crossover/soft-roader type vehicles. The club aims to participate in exploration of the Australian countryside without damage to the environment, vehicle or individual. Visitors are most welcome to attend the club’s General Meetings and contact committee members regarding participation in club activities.
The club relies on membership fees to offset its running costs, including insurance. Membership fees are payable each year, due on 31 May. Fees for the 2013/14 year were agreed at the general meeting in April 2013 and are as follows:
● Interstate: $105 (Seniors card - $100) ● Single: $115 (Seniors card - $105) ● Joint/family: $135 - (Seniors card - $120). Joining Fee $10 ($20 for Joint/Family)
(All annual fees include FWDV affiliation and trip insurance: $45) A trip fee of $15 per adult non-member applies (for insurance purposes)
Please contact the membership officer for further information regarding membership, including pro-rata and monthly rates.
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Welcome to the April club magazine. In a way it still feels like March but that is due to the fact that the deadline is so early, thanks to our illustrious editorial team heading north to get away from the wet weather we are now experiencing. I hope I don’t sound jealous but it would be great to be heading off with them on their trek to the Flinders Ranges, Coongie Lakes and other central Australian locations. It should be a great trip and I hope they all have a safe and enjoyable time.
Last month I wrote about our Buchan shelter and the trip down there to dismantle it. Our Sunday evening meal at the hotel, which featured on the front cover of last month’s magazine, looks to be our last there, even if we do get to spend time at the Buchan farm in the future. The recent fire, unfortunately, razed the hotel to the ground, leaving not much more than a charred pile of rubble behind the hotel’s street awning. For the town’s sake I hope that they are able to rebuild, although it will never be quite the same.
The highlight of the March meeting was the excellent forty minute video of the Simpson Desert trip, created and presented by Stephen. This really brought back some great memories of the trip including the visit to the Old Andado homestead and the many kilometers we covered over the three weeks away. A big vote of thanks goes to Stephen for the excellent job he did in compiling this video from the many hours of video footage and still photos he took personally or obtained from the other members of the convoy. If you did not make it to the meeting then I suggest that you obtain a copy of the video which I believe will be coming out on DVD very soon, in limited edition of course. I know that I am looking forward to getting a copy myself.
On the first Sunday in May I am planning to run a novice drive day in the Narbethong area. This will be an easy trip for those members who are still learning about their vehicles and how to use them when venturing off road. I will be taking my Forester, to give it a good trial on some of the tracks in the area and to compare it with the the older Forester which I took over the same tracks for the pre-trip. It will be interesting to compare the two.
Speaking of the Forester, it has just had its first service, at 12,500kms, about a month before its six month birthday. It has achieved some good long road trips since we first picked it up, just before the club Christmas party last year, but has had very little time off road. I am still trying to source some off-road tyres and wheels for it so that I can really give it a good run in the bush. It did get up and down the hill at Buchan, towing a trailer, even with its very
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT
unexciting road tyres, but some of that was due to the use of the X-mode traction control feature. It will be great to match up this feature with some better tyres to see what the Forester can really do off-road.
The two litre turbocharged motor, matched with the constant velocity transmission, performs really well and returns great economy even at top highway speeds. This is in contrast to the previous 2.5 litre turbo-charged motor, in the 2007 Forester, which sucked fuel at speeds over 100kmh. It is amazing what a couple of years of technology development can do for you.
In preparation for taking the Forester on another club trip, after getting bagged about the quality of transmission from my portable CB radio during the Buchan trip, I decided that I had better install my normal CB radio in the car. A recessed area in the centre of the dash, below the radio and just forward of the gear stick seemed to be an ideal location. After undoing some parts of the dash, in order to route the power and antenna cables, I found that most of the centre console just clips together. There are basically four screws in the middle of the console, which holds the console securely in place.
Another couple of screws hold the assembly to the dash but, apart from that, everything else just clips together so pulling it apart and re-assembling it, after routing the required cables, was a breeze, once you worked out how it all went together. The standard rubber grommet in the firewall provided an easy path for getting the cables into the engine bay, without too much trouble. I am glad that Subaru has continued to supply this very useful access point.
I have also found that my HYT CB radio, which a number of club members have also purchased, can be split apart so that the face can be mounted separately from the radio’s body. That will make mounting it a little easier in the limited area available in the dash. The guard mounted antenna may be a different story though, with plenty of plastic panels under the bonnet making it hard to find an ideal mounting location. I just hope that I can find the time to complete the installation this weekend, in between attending the association’s president’s meeting and writing my regular article for Trackwatch. Never a dull moment in the Stock household.
Anyway that’s enough from me for this month. Have a great Easter and Anzac Day long weekend and I hope you get the opportunity to make the most of this long autumn break. I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Damian
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VENUE REPORT
APRIL GENERAL MEETING
Date: Tuesday 29 April at 8pm
Venue: South Camberwell Tennis Club
Door Prize: This month, our door prize for members will be from Revive Survive – emergency equipment. Come along to be in the draw to win!
Presentation: James from Revive Survive will present to us on Outback
First Aid.
Our club is often in remote or difficult-to-access areas in situations of
emergency. We’re a safe club, but accidents could happen at anytime. Come along to this meeting for an entertaining and interactive presentation
on Outback First Aid. Learn about how we can prepare ourselves and treat situations like bites and stings, major bleeding, fractures, burns and more.
We’ll also learn about the use of defibrillators and their importance on long-
range trips.
Feel free to bring your First Aid kit along to the meeting – James will go through it and let you know what’s out of date and what you may need to consider replacing. Make use of this great, free service!
Presenters and meeting highlights to come in 2014:
● Car Workshop Night – Ringwood Trade Training Centre
● General 4WD and camping products
● Club meeting at a Subaru dealership
There are door prize giveaways for members at each meeting too.
SICK BAY
At the time of going to press, Andrew Jantke was bailed up in hospital,
having developed a bowel condition called diverticulitis. He was not well at the CoM meeting earlier this month and was admitted to hospital a couple of
days later. I’m sure everyone in the Club wishes him well for a speedy recovery. Unfortunately, he and Lisa won’t be able to make the SA desert
Trip. He’s at Angliss Hospital in Ferntree Gully until at least Tuesday 15 April.
He’s available on mobile for messages and calls.
Martin
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VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
EDITOR’S REPORT
The magazine deadline for next edition is Friday 16 May 2014. Send all copy to [email protected] or call Michael on mob: 0408 323 864.
We certainly are having a busy time in the club. I haven’t seen so many trips occurring in such a short period of time and the next couple of months are the same.
There is nothing planned after the July Xmas party. So if you have any ideas for trips please share with the committee even if you do not want to run the trip yourself.
For a good laugh checkout the below video.
It was sent to me by Bob Marshall.
The 2013 Barkley Dog Family Subaru Commercial Compilation
Thanks Michael
When we head off road we take into account the terrain we are going to face. Is it going to be rocky, steep or muddy for example? We check that we have the right tyres, we travel at an appropriate speed being mindful of others who may be on the track.
When it rains in the suburbs, do we take that into account? The road condi-tions have changed dramatically; they are now wet and slippery. Our braking distance has increased and our stability has decreased. This is particularly so after a long dry stretch, as the roads will have a build up of oil and dirt that only makes them worse when it rains.
Many motorists don't take that into account and they continue to act as if it is dry. It is sad to see so many accidents occurring soon after rain. We need to remember to drive to the conditions regardless of where we are or what we are driving.
Happy (and safe) travels,
Jessica Walsh
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TRIP & SOCIAL REPORT
ARKAROOLA/LAKE COONGIE/ MENINDEE LAKES ROUND TRIP
Friday 18 – Sunday 27 April 2014 Trip Rating: Medium, but with long stretches of remote country requiring adequate provisions, water and fuel along the Strezlecki Track. Well-prepared vehicles only. Trip Leader: Martin Foot, email: [email protected] Meeting-up point: Peterborough Foodland, 171 Main Street, at 8:30am, on Saturday 19 April The late Easter break, combined with the Anzac Day long weekend, offers 10 days to explore some country close to but not included on the Simpson Trip, in particular the area between the Flinders Ranges and Lake Frome (including Arkaroola Sanctuary), Lake Coongie near Innamincka and the Menindee Lakes near Broken Hill.
Route: From the Flinders Ranges, via west side of Lake Frome, picking up the Strezlecki Track at Mt Hopeless and continuing on to Innaminka, Lake Coongie, Corner Store, Tibooburra, Broken Hill, Menindee Lakes and home. Approx. 3,700 Km.
Arkaroola provides the opportunity for various trips: the Pinnacles 4WD trip in a special vehicle ($135 group price); DIY 4WD tour in other parts of the reserve; astronomy tour; aerial flights. More information at www.arkaroola.com.au
It is possible to do only a part of this trip if you prefer, speak to me about how it might work.
FROG HOLLOW EASTER WEEKEND
Dates: Friday 18 - Mon 21 April (Easter weekend) Trip Leader: Jamie Scott, email: [email protected] Location: Based at Jamie's property in Churchill, 361 Glendonald Rd. Hazelwood South. Lots of room for camper vans / Tents but no powered sites. Trip Standard: Social & trip weekend … (so if people want to just sit around they can and for anyone who wants to go bush we can).
And hopefully to have a grand opening of my outside shower & toilet (if it's finished in time) if not there is the inside one to use! Under cover BBQ / Pot belly area for use. But please bring your own drinking water.
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TRIP & SOCIAL REPORT
Activities:
Friday: Set a camp / kick back / 4WD or night drive.
Saturday: kick back / 4WD or short night drive / feed the birds.
Sunday: Easter egg hunt for the young & old / kick back / 4WD or a social drive up in the hills or along the river.
Monday: pack up and head home.
And one of the afternoons, there could be a Rock / Dirt Crawling Comp on for every one to try out (all ages). This is still in progress at this stage as lm trying to get two vehicles for the day. So far I have one coming ??
Contact Jamie to confirm.
WALHALLA DAY TRIP (possibly overnight)
Date: Friday, 25 April Location: Walhalla area Trip Rating: Difficult to very Difficult Trip Leader: David Wilson, email: [email protected]
This trip is to explore some of the more challenging tracks in the hills around Walhalla. Possible overnight option depending on interest (but won’t be the whole weekend). Contact David for more information regarding possible routes, timing and departure point.
NARBETHONG NOVICE TRIP
Date: Sunday, 4 May Location: Narbethong area Trip Rating: Easy Trip Leader: Damian Stock, email: [email protected]
New and less experienced members should consider attending this trip, which will include examples of 4WD situations commonly encountered, but chosen so not to be too challenging or scary for beginners in unmodified vehicles.
Experienced drivers are encouraged to attend to assist novices in convoy.
Contact Damian to confirm attendance.
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TRIP & SOCIAL REPORT
ERICA TO WOODS POINT OVERNIGHT TRIP
Date: Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May Location: Erica, Woods Point, Jericho Valley Meeting Point: Erica Pub at 9:00am, leaving 9:30am Fuel: Top up in Moe, either bring an extra 20 litres or top up with fuel in Woods Point on Sunday Trip Rating: Medium, Difficult if it rains Trip Leader: Jamie Scott, email: [email protected]
This weekend we will visit the Aberfeldy cemetery for morning tea, then down to Jericho Valley to the old town sites of Violet Town, Blue jacket / Red jacket cemetery. Then we will follow the river along to the Jordan River Tunnel for a lunch stop. Up and out to Matlock. Down to Woods Point. There are a couple of river crossings (not too deep). The campsite has pit toilets.
On Sunday, we will have a couple of steep climbs to do on the way out (which can be by-passed) which we may go down on the way to Woods Point, and a loop track with one long steep down hill drive to do (or this can be by-passed also) and back towards home.
So you can come along for part of the trip or both days.
ARADALE ASYLUM GHOST TOUR
Date: Saturday, 14 June Location: Heath St, Ararat, Victoria, 3377 Time 8:00pm Trip Rating: Social Trip Leader: Lisa Jantke, email: [email protected] Cost: $35 adults - $30 concession/children (8-15). (Please note, those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult) - $90 family (2 adults, up to 3 children)
Additional information:
It is a night time tour, depending on the number of people attending will depend on accommodation for the evening. Lisa is currently looking into caravan parks. You are also free to arrange your own accommodation for the evening.
If there is a club member that would like to arrange an activity for the Sunday 15
th June in the Ararat area please let Lisa know.
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TRIP & SOCIAL REPORT
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
… will be back on again this year, thanks to Peter and Jean Bellis.
Date: Saturday 19 July 6.00 - 6.30 to be seated at 7.00pm Trip rating: Social Location: Chez Bellis
Cost $25 per head. BYO drinks (but fruit punch provided) Payment must be received by the June meeting (24th June)
Anyone who would like to arrive earlier in the afternoon to assist with food preparation, cooking, setting up or decorating the house would be more than welcome.
OTHER TRIPS
Newer members have commented that there doesn’t seem to be any trips at present suitable for novices to practice 4WD skills under supervision. In the past the club has scheduled one or two trips per year for people new to the club with unmodified vehicles, to show them the basics and to give them the chance to practice skills learned in FWDV or other training courses. So I’m putting out a call for trip leaders to offer trips perhaps in May and June before track closures.
Possible locations include:
Cathedral Ranges Murray River
Also, we need more social events, such as:
Melbourne Laneways A Picnic at Hanging Rock
Martin Foot
Trip and Social Coordinator
email: [email protected]
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TRIP REPORTS
MEAL AND MOVIE NIGHT, BELGRAVE
22nd February 2014 On the Sunday before, the weather forecast for next Saturday was for possible showers in the morning, clearing to a fine afternoon – which meant that by Saturday (given the difficulty of forecasting weather in Melbourne) that that forecast would be wrong. Well, I have no idea how it happened, but the forecast for Saturday did not change the whole week, and it was correct! So on a fine but cooling evening ten of us gathered at the Reel Cafe for dinner before heading to the outdoor cinema.
The Reel Cafe is a pleasantly located right beside the original Cameo Cinema, partially occupying part of the original cinema foyer. The main dining area occupies the original laneway beside the cinema; cosy but not too much so. The meals were good, but fortunately we had plenty of time because they very slow coming; the small kitchen seemed to be struggling with the number of people dining that night. Stephen (who was coming for movie only) managed to arrive before our meals were delivered and enjoyed a coffee wh i le we a te . For tunate l y t he quality of the food met our expectations.
As we departed the cafe for the cinema we bid farewell to Bev. She had a party to go to that night, in, o f a l l p laces , Belgrave Heights, right where we were.
The night was cooling as we collected our deck chairs and headphones and set ourselves up in front of the screen. Being a cool night meant it was not busy so we had plenty of freedom of where to sit.
Nebraska – as the movie was called – turned out to be quite an engaging movie, perhaps all the more so because it was (unusually) filmed in black and
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TRIP REPORTS
white. Of course it was a themed movie, with the main characters doing most of their travelling in a Subaru Outback.
An interesting and unusual experience was to periodically see, below the screen and through the bushes, the Belgrave train passing one way or the other. This is because the outdoor cinema backs up against the railway reserve.
However all good things come to an end so after packing up our blankets and pillows and returning our chairs and headphones, we all said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.
The cast (in order of appearance):
Jan and Dale Rebgetz Elaine and Phil Milkins Ruth and Bob Marshall Bev Davison Angela and Damian Stock Doug Greenall Stephen Whittaker
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TRIP REPORTS
BUCHAN ‘OPERATION DEMOLITION’ TRIP
Saturday 8 March – Monday 10 March
By Stephen Whittaker The time had come. It was the end of an era. After 25 years visiting Buchan, the Subaru 4WD Club had one last project on one last visit. Operation: Buchan Shelter Demolition.
Friday:
The Labour Day long weekend arrived and another Subaru 4WD Club adventure was happening! This trip was a little different to our usual 4WD trips. This one had an operation attached to it… Operation: Buchan Shelter Demolition. Jamie arrived first at the campsite in the afternoon and set up camp a little way away from the shelter as the paddock (and up to within 10 metres of the shelter) had been ploughed. Steve arrived later that evening. Jamie and Steve enjoyed a couple of drinks and a relaxing evening. There was also an entertaining story shared about trailer pins!
Saturday:
A perfect morning sunrise, breakfast and then Jamie and Steve kicked back and waited to see who would be the first to toddle down the hill into camp. It was Peter and Katie at around midday. Then Peter and Jean arrived. They set up camp. We enjoyed lunch and then decided it was probably a good idea to try and do something over at the shelter. After all, this was going to be a big job! Just as we began, a few others arrived – Tom, Damian, Dale, Rick & Josh, Dave, Anthony & Justin and Andrew & Lisa – at varying intervals. All of a sudden, we had a strong team ready to tackle this job!
Within minutes of everyone greeting each other, tools were out, ladders were up, the noise increased and pieces of the shelter were coming down. Piece by piece the shelter was dismantled, with full adherence to and compliance with OH&S practice and procedures. We promise.
We managed to develop quite a system with labourers systematically assisting up ladders, on the roof and on the ground – Anthony, Justin and Josh were even helping carrying bits and pieces here and there. One very clever cameraman had brought the GoPro, set it up in a permanent spot and had it on time-delay taking photos every 30 seconds. (The resulting video of the demolition is very impressive, Peter!)
Then someone looked to the west and noticed rather dark, looming clouds heading our way. Lightning and thunder was seen and heard. And, before
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TRIP REPORTS
we knew it, work was halted and people were ordered down from on top of the galvanised iron roof! Seeking refuge from the rain was rather difficult when half of the roof was missing from our beloved shelter. After the storm passed, a little more work was completed and then we retired for the day.
We relaxed that evening and got a fairly early night’s sleep ahead of what was going to be a big day on the Sunday.
Sunday:
Most of us were up early and, after breakfast, we left off from where we finished the day before. The weather was kinder to us that day. Once the galvanised iron sheeting roof was down, then the trusses and support beams came down.
When the day got to about 11am, it was well and truly warming up… and we weren’t even anywhere near the hottest part of the day! On we pushed (again, we promise, with full adherence to and compliance with OH&S practice and procedures). With the roof and trusses all down, holes were then dug around the posts and down about 600mm, sometimes more, to get them out. David (Head Foreman) made notes on the plans of the shelter and correlated them with numbers on posts and trusses to assist us when putting it back up next time.
Well, many hands make light work and eventually the final post was taken down. It was a significant moment for the club with many of us reflecting on times spent at Buchan.
We loaded the trailers in the heat and then rewarded ourselves with a nice swim in the river. We needed it!
For dinner, we all piled into just a few cars and drove into town to the pub. It was a wonderful dinner with everyone at the Buchan Caves pub and there was a real sense of accomplishment following the successful dismantling of our shelter. With the trailers loaded up, all we had ahead of us was the transportation of all the pieces of the shelter. But that was Monday’s job… we were too busy focusing on winding down and relaxing after a big day.
Monday:
A relatively early morning included packing up camp and then connecting trailers. We left the Buchan campsite for the last time, looking back down over the valley on a perfect morning.
With a convoy of 9 vehicles, 7 towing trailers, Steve went out in front from Buchan until Bairnsdale to be on the look out for any challenges on the road that might cause our convoy trouble. Luckily, there wasn’t anything of note.
CLUB CALENDAR
Trip Standard Sign Vehicle Suitability
Easy All wheel drive and high range 4WD. Can be low clearance with single range and road tyres. Medium Suitable for medium clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain or road tyres.
Difficult Suitable for medium to high clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain tyres. Very Difficult Suitable for high clearance vehicles with dual range and tyres suitable for the terrain (eg. mud terrain tyres).
Date Event Location Standard Contact for further info. Cost
2014 [email protected]
APR
Fri 18 – Sun 27 Apr Arkaroola/Lake Coongie/ Menindee Lakes round trip
South Australia, Qld, NSW
Martin Foot $135 for tour
Fri 18 - Mon 21 Apr Frog Hollow Easter Weekend Hazelwood South Social + Jamie Scott
Fri 25 Apr Walhalla Day Trip Walhalla David Wilson
Tues 29 General Meeting CSTC Stephen Whittaker
MAY
Sun 4 May Narbethong Novice Trip Narbethong area Damian Stock
Tues 6 May Committee Meeting Bob Marshall’s Peter Bellis
Sat 23 - Sun 24 May Erica to Woods Point Erica, Woods Point, Jericho Valley
Jamie Scott,
JUNE+
Sat 14 June Aradale Asylum Ghost Tour Ararat Social Lisa Jantke
Sat 19 July Christmas in July Jean & Peter Bellis’s Social Jean & Peter Bellis
Post your Trip Here!
CLUB CALENDAR
Trip Standard Sign Vehicle Suitability
Easy All wheel drive and high range 4WD. Can be low clearance with single range and road tyres. Medium Suitable for medium clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain or road tyres.
Difficult Suitable for medium to high clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain tyres. Very Difficult Suitable for high clearance vehicles with dual range and tyres suitable for the terrain (eg. mud terrain tyres).
Date Event Location Standard Contact for further info. Cost
2014 [email protected]
APR
Fri 18 – Sun 27 Apr Arkaroola/Lake Coongie/ Menindee Lakes round trip
South Australia, Qld, NSW
Martin Foot $135 for tour
Fri 18 - Mon 21 Apr Frog Hollow Easter Weekend Hazelwood South Social + Jamie Scott
Fri 25 Apr Walhalla Day Trip Walhalla David Wilson
Tues 29 General Meeting CSTC Stephen Whittaker
MAY
Sun 4 May Narbethong Novice Trip Narbethong area Damian Stock
Tues 6 May Committee Meeting Bob Marshall’s Peter Bellis
Sat 23 - Sun 24 May Erica to Woods Point Erica, Woods Point, Jericho Valley
Jamie Scott,
JUNE+
Sat 14 June Aradale Asylum Ghost Tour Ararat Social Lisa Jantke
Sat 19 July Christmas in July Jean & Peter Bellis’s Social Jean & Peter Bellis
Post your Trip Here!
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TRIP REPORTS
We had lunch in Bairnsdale where there was no better evidence that it was a long weekend – there was a huge amount of traffic coming into, through and out of town, with a large police presence. But we got through town and the traffic dissipated as we travelled towards Woodside. Once at Woodside, we unloaded all the trailers into the old dairy at Damian and Angela’s farm where it now rests.
Thank you to everyone who really made it a perfect weekend! A job accomplished. Now, we’re just looking for a new home for a magnificently crafted shelter. Then, we’ll need many hands again to make light work as we construct it again.
Attendees:
Jamie Scott Toyota Landcruiser Stephen Whittaker Forester 2.5X Damian Stock Forester (the new one!) Dale Rebgetz Forester 2.5XT Tom Boltadzija Forester 2.5X Rick & Josh Koster L-series Peter & Jean Bellis Forester 2.0 Peter & Katie Mynard L-Series David, Anthony & Justin Wilson Landcruiser Andrew & Lisa Jantke Rodeo
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TRIP REPORTS
LERDERDERG AND WOMBAT STATE FORESTS
5-6 April 2014
By Jessica Walsh
Saturday
The crowds started to gather at the coffee shop in Sunbury soon after 9am. As the numbers increased more tables and chairs were rearranged until we were quite the group. Coffees were enjoyed and some visitors were introduced. There were a range of vehicles and skill levels so it was to be an interesting weekend.
We headed north and made our way through Gisborne until the bitumen turned to dirt. We pulled up, dropped our tyre pressures and formed up into our convey. We alternated experienced members with those new to 4WDing, or new to their vehicle.
There had been rain the last few days so the dust was absent for the first half of the day. This meant we could keep the group a little closer. There was some over the radio instruction about convoy procedure and when to wait for the car behind.
Our first challenge for the day was a descent, crossing and ascent of Middle Gully. We had a bit of a talk about the techniques and off we went. There was not much water in the creek so the crossing was strait forward. The climb on the other side was quite steep with a couple of sharp turns. Everyone managed this well so we continued on our way.
As we journeyed through Lerderderg we were joined by a Nissan Patrol at the back of the convoy. He (Jordan) soon spoke to us on the radio to explain that he was heading in the same direction. When we stopped for lunch at O’Briens Crossing, Jordan came over and introduced himself. We spoke about the club and may see him at a meeting soon.
After lunch it was a short drive to ‘The Tunnel’. This is a fissure between two creeks. There was some discussion about whether it was natural or man-made with no definitive answer. It was either a gentle stroll around a gully to get to the tunnel, or a steep descent. Some of the more intrepid members chose the direct route whilst the rest of us took the scenic path.
Back to the cars and we headed off again. There were a couple of steep pinches to negotiate, as well as a muddy rutted section. A few cameras came out for these and the newer members were talked through the trickier spots.
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TRIP REPORTS
By late afternoon we arrived in Blackwood, and headed to the caravan park. At this point we said goodbye to Adam, David and Jess as they had only joined us for the day.
We had been allocated the ‘Dress Circle’ and we were soon set up. Dinner was to be at the pub, and as I had neglected to book earlier it was quite the sight to see a number of members trying to get coverage to be able to ring. In the end I headed up the road and rang through the booking. I was told that I was lucky as normally they would get in extra staff. When we arrived for dinner it was very quiet, so I think both the club and the pub were lucky.
I have to recommend the Blackwood Pub, as they fed us very well. The serves were generous and the service quick. Desert was yummy too. We ambled our way back to the caravan park and sat around chatting for a while before we slowly headed off to bed.
Sunday
We enjoyed an extra hour’s sleep in, as it was the end of daylight saving. We had a relaxed pack up as we were waiting for Geoff, a visitor, to arrive. In fact the morning was so relaxed that Stephen’s engine didn’t even bother turning over. A quick push start and that was soon overcome.
By this time Geoff had arrived and so we were off into the Wombat State Forest. There was a little more dust so the convoy got a little more spread out. We enjoyed driving through the forests, some recently burnt and other less so. There were signs of regeneration so it was good to see the bush come back so quickly. At the head of the convoy I had the good fortune to see a large wombat crossing the road. It was a bit too far away for the camera to be effective, unfortunately, and by the time the next car came past it had disappeared into the bushes.
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TRIP REPORTS
Once again we picked up some tag-alongs and when we stopped for morning tea enjoyed a chat with Peter and Edith with their Mitsubishi Outlander. There were a few mud puddles to play in. It was a good opportunity to grab the cameras as people were guided through. There were different approaches to the mud, with the cameras getting plenty of use.
At one point the tracks criss crossed each other, so there was a little bit of back-tracking to find the right one. We were on our our way again and found a picnic spot near Wombat Creek Dam. After lunch amongst the gum trees we made our way out of the forest and were in Daylesford within the hour. We said our good byes, topped up our tyres and headed for home.
It was a great trip to help out some of the newer members and visitors and I would like to thank everyone who offered advice and assistance, and made them feel welcome.
Attendees: Jessica Walsh Pajero Stephen Whittaker and Lucinda Scicluna Forester Jamie Scott Land Cruiser Dale and Jan Rebgetz Forester Peter and Jean Bellis Forester Graeme and Kerry Gill Outback Rick, Jackie and Josh Koster L Series Wagon
Visitors
Adam Whitford Challenger Shawn and Abby Ang Forester David Denver and Jess Forester Geoff Burgess Forester
OTWAYS TRIP
Sat 22 - Sun 23 March
By Michael Hartshorne We meet up at a service station near Werribee with everyone on time except for Lisa and Andrew. They had entered at the first entrance to Hoppers Crossing totally ignoring the instructions I had provided. After a few phone calls to give directions they finally arrived.
Page: 22
TRIP REPORTS
The plan was to drive down to the Anglesea Heath Reserve via Moriac a town west of Geelong. When we arrive at Moriac the road was closed due to a cycling event. After a few diversions we travelled down a dirt road I choose from my stat nav to get away from the cyclists. This took us to Tanners Cecil track which I hadn’t pre-tripped. This was a fun little track with pot holes and soft sand along it. Then we continued along Harrison track to just north of Anglesea.
We then went on a loop drive along No. 2 Road and Loves track that took us down to Aireys Inlet where we had lunch. Jamie took this opportunity to check his breaks which he had just changed as one of his wheels was warm from the trip from home. He found out thanks to Les that he had inserted a brake pad the wrong way around!
After lunch we travelled though the Great Otway’s National Park along Gentle Annie Track. This is where Andrew realised his 4wd wasn’t engaging. He only just made it up a wet muddy hill. When then turned back towards the Great Ocean Roads along Moggs & Coalmine tracks.
I had stated earlier that depending on timing we would either go through the center of the park on a 2wd track or down the coast to Apollo Bay. Jamie had said that he hadn’t been down this way since being a little kid. So I decided we would go down the Great Ocean Road so we all could enjoy the scenic coastal drive.
After stopping in Apollo Bay for fuel we continued onto Bimbi Park Caravan Park which is located near Cape Otway. We all setup our tents, except for Lisa and Andrew who had booked a cabin for the night. Les had brought along his new toy, a 4wd remote controlled car. We all took turns driving this up a step embankment area. This little car was certainly impressive as to what it could do.
The next day we scouted for a back way to travel to the Otway Fly. I hadn’t been down this far in my pre trips. We eventually found a great track that had some fun puddles at the bottom of the hills. I went into one a realised it was a little deeper than I thought. I went through with a loud bang as one side dropped down into a hole. This nicely unclipped my rear body work around my rear tire. Once though I stopped and this quickly went back into place without any problems.
As we where approaching the Fly we came across the Aire Crossing. We all stopped and took photos of the river and chatted to a local who was camped there. He advised that the road we had travelled on was the only one now open as the others had been closed due to abuse from reckless 4wding.
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TRIP REPORTS
The club makes this space available free of charge to members wishing to buy or sell items.
Please note that the Motor Car Trader Regulations 1998-22(4) require that vehicles for sale
advertisements must contain: (a) the cash price of the vehicle and; (b) the registration number
if registered or the engine/chassis numbers if unregistered. Contact the club editor to advertise
in this space.
Forester Aluminium Bash Plates: made from 6.0mm construction grade aluminium: $300 for club members, $330 for non-members. Fitting can be arranged.
Set of 4 alloy rims from Outback 1997 model, $120.00 ONO Roof console to hold CB + lights and switches for Outback $100.00 Contact: David Wilson, email: [email protected]
Jessica’s Sale: 17" alloy rim to suit the current model Outback. It is fitted with an almost new Kumho 225/60 R17 road tyre that has done about 500km (max). $200
3x 225/60 R17 Yokohama Geolander G012 A/T-S tyres to suit the current Outback/Liberty. Two of them have been driven about 30,000km ($50 ea.) and the other is near new with about 4,000km of use ($100).
For more details on any of the above, please email Jessica at: [email protected]
FOR SALE
Then it was onto the Otway Fly where we meet up with Des Lehmann.
Attendees:
Michael Hartshorne Forester Jamie Scott Landcruiser Stephen Whittaker Forester Lisa & Andrew Jentke Rodeo Les Scott Brumby Dale Rebgetz Forester Des Lehmann
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CLUB MEETING MINUTES
A General Meeting of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc was held on Tues-day, 25
th March 2014 at the South Camberwell Tennis Club starting at
8:20pm. 1. Present
Les Scott, Jamie Scott, Andrew Jantke, Lisa Jantke, Des Lehmann, Dale Rebgetz, Stephen Whittaker, Graham Gill, Jessica Walsh, Bev Davison, Phil Milkins, Bob Marshall, Peter Mynard, Katie Mynard, Paul Saleeba, Damian Stock, Martin Foot, Cynthia Rennolds, Jean Bellis, Peter Bellis, Rick Koster, David Wilson.
2. Apologies Elaine Hyde, Doug Greenall, Elaine Milkins, Ruth Marshall.
3. Visitors John King, David Denver.
4. Welcome A welcome was extended to all members and visitors.
5. Minutes of the Previous General Meeting
The minutes of the February 2014 General Meeting were accepted with amendment (Katie Scambler should read Katie Mynard, and Jessica Walsh was an apology) after being moved by Katie Mynard and sec-onded by Bev Davison.
There was no business arising from the minutes.
6. Correspondence
6.1 In Magazines from various 4WD clubs. 4WD Victoria – various memos and emails. Enquiry regarding sale of a Subaru Vortex Various membership enquiries. Enquiry regarding Subaru space saver tyre.
6.2 Out Nil
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CLUB MEETING MINUTES
7. Reports 7.1 Resources
As per the March magazine. 7.2 Editor
Nothing to report. 7.3 Trip and Social
See elsewhere in the magazine for details. Need volunteers to run trips for July, August and September.
7.4 Venue See elsewhere in the magazine for details. Door prize kindly donated by Jamie.
7.5 Membership. Welcome to the visitors.
7.6 Treasurer Current bank account balance is $4,900.02. Major payments – PO box ($107) and website hosting fee ($90).
7.7 Secretary Next committee meeting is at Phil Milkin’s place.
7.8 Vice-President
● Chocolate fundraising – is on again. Have 30 boxes to sell – each box is worth $20 profit to the club.
● Seasonal track closures – some additional tracks are being pro-posed to be closed for the winter season. Members are requested to review the list and give feedback.
● 4WD Driving Instruction – have completed the theory section, only have the practical park to complete.
7.9 President
● Had an interesting month in March – demolition of the shelter at Buchan. Many thanks for those who helped. Now looking for an-other location to situate the shelter.
● Have agreement from the Buchan property owner to continue to use the property as a staging point / base camp.
● 4WD driver training – a larger discount rate for club members is being pushed with the Education Training Unit of 4WD Victoria.
● The club is looking at having some novice level trips in the Narbe-thong area in the next few months.
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CLUB MEETING MINUTES
8. General Business
● The owner of the salad bowl has been identified and the bowl has been returned.
● Information was handed out regarding a “hydra-blast” cleaning unit. 9. Fines and Fun
9.1 Nametags Jamie Scott, Les Scott, Rick Koster
9.2 Last to Meeting David Wilson.
9.3 Trips Buchan Shelter Removal
● Jamie – losing a trailer on the way to Buchan. ● Jamie – running vehicle to charge second battery to run fridge. ● Peter B – running vehicle to recharge Go-Pro. ● Stephen – flat battery on both mornings. ● Jean – for lending a dodgy can opener. ● Stephen – for exciting driving of Damian’s car on the way back
from the pub. ● Damian – for having a few beers too quick.
Total fines collected - $6.30.
After a break for supper, Stephen’s video of the 2013 Simpson Desert trip was presented. It was thoroughly enjoyed by the members.
Meeting closed at 10:26pm. The Lucky door prize was held over to next month’s meeting. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 29
th April 2014 commencing at
8pm.
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STANDARD TRIP EQUIPMENT
The aim of all Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. trips is to have an enjoyable experi-ence in the bush, increasing 4WDing skills and experience, whilst maintaining the highest regard for the safety of individuals, the vehicle and the environment. As a driver you have ultimate responsibility for the safety of your passengers and vehicle. It is the responsibility of any participating driver to contact individual trip leaders for clari-fication of individual trip requirements and standards.
Financial members are encouraged to participate in as many trips as possible to in-crease confidence and experience. Visitors are welcome subject to the payment of the appropriate levy to cover insurance, but after two visits, should consider membership. Non-financial members are not covered by insurance and may not
participate until payment is received.
Individual drivers with concerns or queries regarding their vehicle and the trip standard should contact relevant trip leaders. The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. recom-mends that each vehicle carry the following items of equipment on every trip:
a) Personal details form as specified by FWDV, copy to Trip Leader
b) Two Rated D- Shackles (minimum 3.2t);
c) Rated “Snatch’em” Strap;
d) Recovery Points, Front & Rear; plus optional bridle strap, according to ve-
hicle design;
e) AM (27Mhz) Channel 5 or UHF (477Mhz) Channel 16 CB Radio;
f) Fire Extinguisher, accessible to the driver;
g) Spare Tyre (full size);
h) Jack and Wheel Brace, or equivalent;
i) Emergency Supplies (matches, food, water and clothing);
j) Sufficient Fuel, Oil and Water for the trip and delays;
k) A Tyre Pressure Gauge; Compressor (according to the trip)
l) An Axe, Bow or Chain saw;
m) A Sturdy Shovel (collapsible shovels are no good);
n) Spare Parts (appropriate to the nature of the Trip);
o) A Tool Kit;
p) Personal First Aid Kit;
q) The Vehicle Manual.
Any vehicle not carrying at least the first five (5) items of equipment should contact the individual Trip Leader before leaving. Any Club member unsure about any of the items of equipment listed above are advised to contact the the Trip and Social Co-ordinator or the Trip Leader concerned.
All Trip Leaders carry a complete First Aid Kit in case of emergency. All non-emergency medical needs are expected to be meet by individuals own medical sup-plies.
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RESOURCES
We have plenty of resources to sell. We may have many, some or none of the following items so if you are interested in any of these then please come along to the club meeting and I will be very happy to sell them to you. Correct change will be much appreciated.
$
Hat Oiled Skin size 55 20.00
Hat Safari size 59 20.00
Short sleeve blue chambray shirt with logo Size 14 40.00
New Style Red Polo Shirts (M, L, XL, 2XL) 30.00
New Style Vest 60.00
Blue Polo Shirt 15.00
Large Sew on Badges 3.50
Small Sew on Badges 2.00
Fuel Filter Plastic x 45deg. 7.00
Fuel Filter Plastic x 90deg. 7.00
Fuel Filter Plastic x Straight 5.00
eFlare HZ510 Red with Base 66.00
CV Boot Clamps Large & Small 4.00
CV Joint Grease 6.00
Wheel Nuts [Set of 4] 1.60
MSP Engine Formulation (oil additive) 50.00
For substantial discounts on all general automotive spare parts, oils, filters, shocks, etc., please see me for details. Thanks, Dale Rebgetz Resources Officer, email: [email protected]
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COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Minutes of the meeting of the Committee of the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc held on Tuesday 8
th April 2014 at the home of Phil Milkins starting at
7:45pm. 1. Present Phil Milkins, Doug Greenall, Dale Rebgetz, Martin Foot, Andrew Jantke, Peter
Bellis, Bob Marshall, Jessica Walsh, Damian Stock, Stephen Whittaker. 2. Apologies Michael Hartshorne. 3. Quorum A quorum was achieved with 10 committee members present. 4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
4.1 Minutes of the March 2014 committee meeting were accepted without amendment after being moved by Bob Marshall and seconded by Dale Rebgetz.
4.2 Business Arising from the Minutes and Outstanding Actions 4.2.1 Pre-2003 Club Website – Martin will continue to follow up with
Mark Tyseen. 4.2.2 Distribution lists – to be discussed under membership report. 4.2.3 Delegate’s nomination form. 4.2.4 Membership cards. 4.2.5 Subaru Docklands 4WD driver training. 4.2.6 Club perpetual calendar. 4.2.7 Circulation of membership list to committee members. 4.2.8 Club website. 4.2.9 Club website admin details.
4.2.9.1 Damian to forward details of website administrator of the Ballarat 4WD Club to Martin. Glenn Arkell uses Jumla and has developed various add-ons for it.
4.2.10 Club brochure. 4.2.11 List of new members. 4.2.12 Visitors’ fees – still need to collect until further clarification is
received from 4WD Victoria’s insurer. 4.2.13 Man Brands Advertising – completed. 4.2.14 Driver training – investigate opportunity to run joint AWD driver
driving course with other AWD clubs.
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COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
5. Correspondence 5.1 In
● Various 4WD Club magazines ● Subaru 4WD Club of SA – information regarding Flinders Ranges
and Arkaroola. ● Advertising material – Cadbury fundraising. ● Peter and Edith Fullalove – thank you for being allowed to join in on
the Wombat Forest Trip. ● State Library of Victoria – reminder notice for annual reports. ● Explore Australia Expo – invitation to 4WD clubs to have a 6mx6m
outdoor site at the Melbourne Show Grounds. 5.2 Out
● Jordon Old – club promotional material. ● Visitors on Wombat Forest trip – further details about the club.
6. Reports 6.1 Resources
● Currently investigating new options for the club polo shirt. Should have options for presentation at the next committee meeting.
6.2 Trip and Social ● See elsewhere in the magazine for details about forthcomings trips
and events. ● Possible future novice trip – Anglesea area.
6.3 Venue ● See elsewhere in the magazine for details about upcoming meet-
ings. ● The Simpson Desert trip video at the last meeting was well received
and appreciated. 6.4 Membership
● Received membership application and money from Daryl Lynch. ● After some discussion, the committee resolved to accept Daryl’s
membership application. ● A membership renewal form will be required for the May magazine
with the new membership rates. The form needs to include all email addresses / mobile phone numbers for family/joint member-ships.
6.5 Editor ● As per the magazine. ● This month’s deadline is this Friday (11
th April).
● Need an understudy for the publisher/distributor (mainly in elec-tronic form). Possible candidate is Doug (Martin to have further discussions).
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COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
6.6 Treasurer ● Current bank account balance is $4,906.33. ● The club’s accounts seem a bit healthier compared to a few years
ago. ● Martin is in dispute with the internet provider, OziWeb, about pay-
ment of the ISP fee for the club’s website. Martin will follow up with his bank.
6.7 Secretary ● Nothing to report.
6.8 Vice-President ● Fundraising - have 5 chocolate boxes left to sell. ● Will be attending the 4WD Victoria meeting on Saturday.
6.9 President ● Nothing to report.
7. Ownership of Committee Meetings ● As a result of the week’s postponement of this month’s committee
meeting, it was agreed that the secretary be the final arbiter and com-municator of any location or date changes to committee meetings.
8. Training Days ● The club needs to organise various training days for selected 4WD
driving / recovery / etc skill. 9. General Business
● Visitors on trip – it covers not only the driver but also passengers. Therefore, the visitor fee needs to be paid by all visitors.
● Visitor fee payments to 4WD Victoria – still need to occur whilst 4WD Victoria investigates the need / requirements for such fees.
● Advanced Membership Payment to 4WD Victoria – 4WD clubs will be asked to pay the 2014 affiliation fees a month in advance to assist with 4WD Victoria’s temporary liquidity problem. Based on advice from Bob about the club’s financial capacity to pay early, the committee resolved to make the advanced payment based previous years’ membership renewal performance, if asked to do so by 4WD Victoria.
● Trip information for trip participants – There is the Trip Intention Form that prospective trip leaders need to complete for a trip to be registered and advertised. It contains the necessary information about a trip that trip participants need to be aware of.
10. Next Meeting will be held on Tuesday 6
th May 2014 at 7:30pm at the
home of Bob Marshall. 11. Meeting closed at 10:20pm.
