TRIP REPORT TRAINING DAY LERDERDERG STATE PARK

6^th February 2011

4WD CLUB

Event Organiser; Ian Day

Attendance:

Ian Day

Kate & Ando Wylie McGuinness Albert Armour

Brian McLean & 2 boys Neil & Sharon West

Hummer

Nissan Patrol Toyota Hilux Holden Rodeo Nissan Patrol Toyota Landcruiser

APOLOGIES.

Jim & Liz Paxton Daryl Fiscalini Vince & Sue Bosua

After meeting at (yes sorry Kate) MacDonald's in Bacchus Marsh on what was to turn out a fine sunny day, we headed out the Gisborne Rd. and turned left into Russells Rd, then into Seerey Track. This led us to an old quarry where we had a short briefing and

a quick lesson on stall recovery. Time was spent here practicing stalls. Tyre

pressures were then lowered and we all

drove around for a while getting the feel of the lower pressures.

After an inspection of a fairly steep drop off, all negotiated their way down safely. We then made our way to the top of the quarry and a photo opportunity (left).

A quick stop for morning tea then we moved out to Bluegum Track and into Holts Track for some winching practice. Wylies truck tried to go fishing in the creek but was successfully recovered. An inspection of a hand winch kit revealed a 1.6t hook on

a 2.4t winch assembly??? Pays to be vigilant. Lunch was had here under the shade and a walk up a hill that varied from 25° to 30° for participants to get the feel of angles. The 30 was difficult to climb on foot! That's what 4WD's were made for.

From here we negotiated our way up Nuggety Track that gave some minor challenges with wheel ruts.

Climbing out of Nuggety Track we made our way out onto Bluegum Track where Neil and Sharon had to make an urgent beeline for home. (kids & animals). The rest of us moved on into Ratcliffe Track where we encountered some differing track

surfaces and some rather deep ruts that had to be given some respect. Following the recent rains a crossing at Goodmans creek that was planned to be crossed was unpassable only due to a fallen tree across the creek and some rather deep holes and large rocks that had been washed into the crossing. Safety prevailed so we then decided to turn around and backtrack (a necessary "u"

turn). The next task was to turn 5 trucks around on a hairpin on the track. With some thought this was achieved and we all headed back towards Bluegum track where we aired up the tyres and then headed back towards Bacchus Marsh.

A good day was had by all and I wish to thank all who attended for their input and keenness to learn.

A quote from the day "Don't worry about cleaning your shoes kids before you get in the vehicle, Mum can clean it when we get home!" Ouch!!!

Comment from one member who attended:

I found the training day very informative and very very enjoyable. We done some incline stops and also did a mock recovery using a winch. After lunch we went for a drive along some deep rutted tracks and shown the best way to tackle them

safely. Thanks Ian for a great day.

Thanks to all and look forward to the next one.