S4WDCV April 2023 magazine online version

Reg #: A-0006149J

ISSUE: 502 (March-April 2023)

We have a special guest this month at our April General Meeting. Renowned motoring journalist Robert Pepper will join us to discuss aspects of 4WD-ing with a particular focus on Subarus. This meeting is on ANZAC Day, Tuesday 25 April at 7:45pm for 8pm start, and will be available by Zoom only. Login details will be provided by email to members.

Meanwhile, at the March General Meeting, members voted unanimously to accept the Committee’s recommendation to leave our current fees (including Joining fee and Temporary membership fee) as they are. Angela presented a budget to explain the Committee’s reasoning. Renewal of membership is due by 31 May and renewal notices will be issued shortly.

Following Dan’s “driver experience” day in March, he has been able to organise a formal training opportunity for members through Delta Training in Euroa on 15, 16 April. This is a proficiency course suitable for Subarus and other light off-roader vehicles. By the time you read this in the April magazine, the course will have happened. I look forward to hearing how it went.

Later in April, Dan is leading an off-road touring trip to the Murray Sunset National Park. Due to camping restrictions, the number of places available is limited. At the time of writing, there were just two available spots. Check out the trips listing on the club’s website for details and to book.

Peter Mynard is offering social trip on 21 May meeting at Trafalgar, to visit the Gippsland Vehicle Collection in Maffra.

This is a car museum that keeps changing the vehicles on display several times per year. Each display change is themed. The current display theme is ‘Cars & Songs’. As well as cars, there are also motorbikes and other garage paraphernalia.

As previously mentioned, Committee are compiling a survey of members to give us feedback on what you would like to see happening to make the club more valuable to you. Coming soon.

Martin Foot President

Contents

ISSUE: 502

(March - April 2023)

Club Committee

President: Martin Foot president@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Vice President & FWDV Delegate: Tim Folliard vice-president@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Secretary: Mark Tyssen secretary@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Treasurer: Angela Bombardieri treasurer@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Trip & Social: Tim Folliard events@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Venue coordinator: Mark Tyssen venue@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Editor: Daniel Ho editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Community Manager: Peter Kakalias community@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Membership: members@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Vice-President’s Report

Great to see members taking advantage of some training opportunities Daniel has arranged This gives you a good opportunity to find out what your vehicle can do and practice the skills in a more controlled environment than halfway up a steep ascent Since most of us don't have to drive in off-roads conditions on a daily basis it can take some time to develop these just like AT tyres and bash plates improve the stock vehicles

I watched a short YouTube video on shackles Interesting with the hard shackles (the 3.5 to 4.7 tonne used for recovery) the advice was to only hand tighten them, then back off half to a full turn. Why, with the forces in play during a recovery, the pin may tighten. Then if we don't have the right tools, we might not be able to release the pin. If we used a tool to tighten it, it might be too difficult to release even with the tool, especially with less than perfect conditions working under the front of the vehicle. In the rare event you need to do repeated recovery attempts check that the pin hasn't loosened Always good to get a photo of the old cruiser in action.

Note the load rating. If it isn't rated, please don't use it for a recovery, as a failure can be fatal.

The advice changes for the smaller shackles used in towing These need to be tight and the chains ideally crossed over.

Tim Folliard Vice-President

vice-president@subaru4wdvic.com.au

EDITOR’S NOTE

It has been a year now since I started the revised format of the magazine. What do you think? Who do you like, and more importantly, what do you dislike about this new magazine format?

I am also working with the Committee on a year photo book. Do you have any suggestions on how it should be done and what should go into it?

Daniel Ho Magazine Editor editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Do you have an idea for a magazine topic?

URL: t.ly/qBDE

URL: t.ly/pXdx

URL: t.ly/Lqha

URL: t.ly/DGfU

Gippsland Vehicle Collection - SOCIAL

21 May 2023

This is a social trip organised by Peter Mynard to the car museum in Gippsland that keeps changing the vehicles on display several times per year. Each display change is themed. The current display theme is ‘Cars & Songs’. As well as cars, there are also motorbikes and other garage paraphernalia.

Land Care Rotary Pajero Environmental Planting Scheme – EASY, Community Service

17-18 June 2023

This is a joint trip with the Pajero Club, organised by Daniel Ho. It is a Land Care event run by the Rotary Tree Planting Program which is now in its 29th year to help reduce "the salinity problem" in the Goulburn/Murray River system by planting trees and increasing the areas capacity to recover the bio-diversity and to restart the natural cycle in this area. The Native trees and shrubs are propagated from locally collected seeds in the Glenaroua district. the trees are planted by Land Management and other community groups. This trip involves assisting with the tree planting as well as assisting in the transportation of the participants to and from the planting area (4WD only tracks) as well as assist in the distribution of plants and tools.

Simpson Desert Crossing - DIFFICULT

18 June - 9 July 2023

This is a trip planned by Erica Auld. It is to cross the Simpson desert from East to West. Go up through Innamincka and leave from Birdsville across to Dalhousie and Mt Dare. Potential route, QAA line, French line, Knolls track, WAA line, Rig Road back to French line.

Wyperfeld - Murray Subset - Border Track – MEDIUM to DIFFICULT

22-27 October 2023

This is led by Tim Folliard, starting from Hopetoun and finishing near the S.A. border on the Western Hwy. Lots of sand driving and remote area (for Victoria) travel. Foresters/Outbacks have done this trip previously.

Full details for each of the events can be found on the Proposed Trip section on the Club’s website. https://www.subaru4wdvic.com.au/index.php/proposed-trips

Expected terrain and track conditions

Mostly unsealed roads with no obstacles and minor gradients.

Tracks with some steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sections. May have water crossings.

+ Underbody Protection

Tracks with frequent steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sections. Possible deep water crossings.

+ Suspension lift

+ Rock sliders

Tracks with frequent very steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sections. May have difficult river crossings.

Vehicle suitability

(recommended minimum equipment & modifications)

Stock vehicles Road tyres

Driver Training / Experience Suitable for novice drivers.

+ Good approach and departure angles + AT Tyres

+ Rear recovery point

+ Accessible front tie down points as recovery points

+ Car bra / snorkel

+ Off-road bumper bar

+ Smaller wheel rims with increased tyre size

+ AT / MT Tyres

+ Diff locker(s)

+ Winch

+ Snorkel

+ RT / MT Tyres

4WD Driver training highly recommended

4WD Driver training and/or good level of experience in difficult terrain

4WD Driver training and/or extensive experience in difficult terrain

The intent of the Club’s kit is to supplement the first aid kit that each member should be carrying. Consequently, the Club kit does not contain any of the following since they are typical standard items in a personal first aid kit.

• Band-Aids

• Antiseptic creams and liquids (other than betadine for flushing of large wounds)

• Medications

• Ice pack (can be anything from a medical ice pack to a bag of frozen peas) Neck brace

Betadine (wound irrigation & disinfection)

Quick reference guide & Notebook

Sports tape. Doubles as adhesive strips

Disposable triangular bandage (bleeding stemming pad)

Reusable triangular bandage

• Snake bite bandage

• Compression bandages

• Crepe bandage (for wound packing)

CPR face shields

To be added in the future

Foldable splints

- 1 large splint (in overflow kit)

- 1 medium splint

- 1 finger splint

- 1 roll of self adhesive bandage

Aspirin

DeFib (potentially)

Tweezers, safety pins

Emergency blankets

Splinter probes

Gloves

Whistle

Liquid antihistamine

Various wound dressing

Saline (wound irrigation)

Burn gel

A simple Google Search will reveal that there are a myriad of first aid course providers and next to impossible to distinguish a good provider from a bad one.

Personally, I have always preferred trainers who are also practitioners. Unfortunately, in my experience this represents the minority of educators in the area of First Aid.

Tom Aczel is one such trainer. He is a practising paramedic and runs the company Emergency Medical Response (EMR) whose core business is in providing Event First Aid Services such as at Sporting Events, Athletic Meets, Camps, Sick Bay Coverage, Shows, Concerts & Music Festivals (<10k attendees), Motorsport Events

Equestrian Events, etc. Delivering First Aid course is a “side” business of the company.

As the saying goes, “many can talk the talk, but few can walk the walk”. Tom is one of those rare first aid trainers who also walk the walk.

The added bonus is that EMR’s course are much more affordable than others on the market.

• HLTAID011 – Provid First Aid: $65/student, as opposed to $120/student by FWDV.

• HLTAID013 – Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site. EMR charges $190/student. As a comparison, St John Ambulance charges $395/student plus the student must hold a valid HLTAID011 qualification. St John Ambulance charges $195/student for their HLTAID011 course.

EMR also offer group booking discounts. If there is sufficient interest, I shall organise group bookings for the Club.

As somebody previously trained to HLTSS00068 (Level 3 First Aid) and HLTAID015 (Provide advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy), I found Tom to be a very knowledgeable paramedic and skilled trainer. More information on EMR’s services can be found at their website https://emr.zone/

- Daniel Ho

The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. recommends that each vehicle carry the following items or equipment on every trip.

Personal details form (as specified by 4WDV)

❑ One copy to the trip leader; One copy in vehicle

Minimum of a basic recovery kit

❑ Two rated Bow- Shackles (suitable for your vehicle)

❑ Rated Snatch strap / Kinetic rope

❑ Bridal strap / Equaliser strap (*important for Subaru vehicles)

❑ A shovel

Safety equipment

❑ UHF (477Mhz) Radio (Club convoy channel is CH16). Ideally an in car mounted radio, but hand-held are ok provided sufficient battery(s) to last the trip.

❑ Fire extinguisher, accessible to the driver

❑ Basic first aid kit

Spares and tools

❑ A tyre pressure gauge and air compressor

❑ Spare tyre (full size & same size as the other 4 tyres)

❑ Jack and wheel brace, or equivalent

❑ A suitable tool kit for your vehicle

❑ Sufficient fuel, oil and water for the trip, accounting for delays

❑ Spare parts (appropriate to the nature of the trip)

❑ Your vehicle manual

❑ Emergency supplies (matches, food, water and clothing)

Unsure or have questions regarding the items above

?

Contact the Trip and Social Coordinator or the Trip Leader

Membership

The Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc. has several different categories of membership:

[1] Single;

[2] Family / Joint

[3] Life

[4] Temporary (Covers Four-Wheel-Drive-Victoria Insurance on trips)

If you would like more information about the Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc., please

• Visit our website https://www.subaru4wdvic.com.au

• Contact our Membership Officer (members@subaru4wdvic.com.au)

• Or write to:

Membership Officer

Subaru 4WD Club of Victoria Inc.

c/- 24 Hill Street

Hawthorn VIC 3122

More information on membership can be found on https://www.subaru4wdvic.com.au/index.php/membership

Alternative

Come say hello at one of our regular meetings.

Details in the link below.

https://www.subaru4wdvic.com.au/index.php/events-calendar

http://www.safetrek.com.au/

Hi Jim,

We just went on our first 4wd trip at Mt Disappointment and had a blast!

As you probably saw, I was utterly terrified of that track before your course and refused to drive it. Now I’ve done a bunch of stall starts on hills (practicing rather than necessity), and navigated a bunch of bogs and tight squeezes.

I wouldn’t let M drive because I was having fun... and I’m actually pretty good at it (albeit slow).

So, thank you for your gentle guidance and encouragement that helped me gain confidence and overcome a big fear.

Warmest regards

- E

re High Country Course

Good morning Jim,

I just wanted to thank you for a great weekend in the high country. Once again, I have learned a lot about what my car can do but I can’t get over what beautiful country we passed through.

I can’t wait to go and see some more of it.

Thank you again and please look after yourself.

Regards

-R

"We just spent three wonderful days in Robe SA undertaking the Sand Driving course with Jim, Di, Kim, Brett and a great group of participants The course was very professionally conducted and very informative. I don’t believe that any of the participants would have come away without a huge boost in confidence in themselves and their motor vehicle.

I have previously undertaken the Basic 4x4 course with Jim prior to departing on a 6 months odyssey around Australia. The skills that I learnt from Jim were invaluable in some of the situations that I found myself in. I am now hoping to undertake the High Country 4x4course in April. Using the other 2 courses completed as a yardstick this one should be a real buzz.

I would highly recommend Safetrek to anyone that is looking to improve their off road driving skills in a safe, professional and inclusive environment."

- Bruce

https://blackspurinn.com.au/

Hi Jim, I need to thank you and the team for an amazing week end!!

Your knowledge and expertise are invaluable and gave me the confidence to take on the high country. Your training and direction on the beginner and advanced courses have given me the experience and confidence to plan out and prepare for our own future trips.

I still can’t believe that I was able to experience Victorian high country with a stock standard 2015 Toyota hilux

I am truly grateful to have met you.

All the best to you all I’ll see you on the next course.

Cheers, Tim.

At SAFETREK we can demonstrate the functions of your vehicle and its capabilities. We will instruct you on how to handle your vehicle in all conditions confidently with minimal impact to the environment, yourself or the vehicle.

Don’t forget to check out the wonderful meals and accommodation on offer

This was a trip done back in April, going clockwise around the loop. (based on Robert Peppers 4WD Treks

Close to Melbourne Trek 18). This time it would be ascending the steepest parts of Battery Spur.

From Yarra Glen it was a short drive up the Melba Hwy to Glenburn-Kinglake Rd then into the dirt at Captains Creek Rd and then Boggy Creek and Candlebark Tack. The Kinglake National Park tracks had some good puddles forming which were dry back in April which presented some early challenges before entering Mt Robertson State Forest. After an early lunch at the Mt Robertson Visitor Area (and motorcycle trailer carpark) it was a short drive to the feature tracks, of Battery Spur and Gum Creek. In April we went down Battery Spur which was a very long, steep and uneven descent. So the plan was to ascend the steep area this time. But before that, there was a quarry with some steep slopes to try out. Photos never do justice to the angles. It wasn’t long till the bog holes got bigger but more concerning was the surface was easier disturbed and the mud stopped progress.

Not a common sight (Gum Creek Track )

Getting repetitive, every 100 metres more muddy water. yet the tracks were otherwise very dry considering the rain in the previous weeks.

The Outback was stuck in the mud and taking on some brown water. Easily extracted from the mud but it then threw a few error messages, the most concerning issue was the electronic park brake failing to release and the rear left wheel dragging. Removing the wheel and cleaning the axle assembly didn’t help but with some higher revs it was moving through the brake.

The choice, 3 km to the 2WD drive road and the RACV or ringing the guys with the Unimog and the off-road trailer. Push on to the road (and a few tows through some more mud) where a tow truck arrived and the Outback was on the way home as dusk set in.

Soft muds, hidden ruts and a few holes.

Bog holes and electronics don’t mix.

A short day trip that was extended by some mechanical issues and a major recovery. A short but challenging loop on a sunny day that presented a challenging drive. Not recommended in the wet as the steep slopes would be very slippery.

Trip Participants

Vehicle

Rick Subaru L-Series

Dan & Sam Pajero (Black)

Les with Michelle Rodeo

Michael & Sharon Pajero (Silver)

Nick & Deb Outback

Tom M Subaru Forester

Tim F (Trip Lead) Toyota FJ40

The club booked into a private property that is also a 4WD training ground over the Labour Day long weekend. This property borders with Tallarook State Forest and is where FWDV used to conduct some of their driver training courses. The weekend was focused on practicing various skills that are essential when driving off-road.

Trip Participants

Vehicle

Rick Subaru Brumby

Les with Michelle D-Max

Chris and James Subaru L-Series

Jesse Hilux Keong Yip FJ Cruiser

Tim F Toyota FJ40

Elle Outback

Juergen and Jo Forester Diesel

Duy Suzuki Grand Vitara

Simon 2019 Forester (Blue)

Justin Discovery 3

Thushan 2019 Forester (Black)

Dan & Sam (Trip Lead) Pajero (Black)

While Daniel was running a field lesson on the attributes of X-Mode and other electronic wonders on the newer Subies, a group without this high tech headed into the Tallarook forest in search of some tracks the group could explore later. Falls Link, Bridge and Army Rds presented few challenges.

MagazineTrack further west was steep and Mt Hickey road was well graded to the top ending at the tower.

Mountain track down Mt Hickey was OK until a section with very large rocks that could not be by-passed. Careful guidance driving over the rocks got us over with just a few underbody scraps (the value of a good bash plate) and we continued down an ever steeper, rocky track.

Photos never show how large the rocks are.

Trip Participants

Vehicle

Rick Subaru Brumby

Keong

FJ Cruiser

Justin Discovery 3

Tim (Trip Lead)

Toyota FJ40

It was grey and misty mid-morning at Camberville where we met before departing along Big River Road. The forecast had been clear and sunny but the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable but by the time we had a morning tea break at Stockman’s Reward it had become a warm and sunny day. This time Rick led up most of the alternate tracks to Mt Terrible. Some were very rocky, most much steeper than the main track. A few of the Subies fell short of the top on one climb but a quick tow and they were ready for the next climb.

By this time both the day (and the vehicles) was heating up so it was a good time for lunch next at the new hut at Mt Terrible looking down into the valley and ranges we would be in later today and tomorrow. Decent was via Poletti’s Track, into Jamieson to meet up with Peter then along the Jamieson River to Granny’s Flat campsite. Good, grassed sites along the river with a few new toilet blocks, but always busy whenever we have been there (weekends).

Next morning after a drive along the LicolaJamieson Rd we commenced the winding descent along Mt Sunday Rd. This met up with Mitchell’s Track which still had some shallow bog holes, enough to muddy the wheels.

Morning break was at Mitchell’s Flat. First gold was

found in the creek and then several hundred acres was cleared a over hundred years ago for a cattle run in the area. The bush has reclaimed parts of it and the homestead is in ruin but there are a few bush camp sites around the area. After crossing the creek, we commenced a long series of climbs until reaching the Old Slate Mine for lunch.

The Slate Mine had a few short, steep and rocky tracks to follow and the spectacular view extended across the valley where the Mt Terrible fire tower was just visible on the ridgeline.

We thought better than trying to cut through. A check by the Facebook group showed someone had started to cut this. Even attempted to drag it. I suspect a successful cut would have just brought down the next 30 metres and if it moved by dragging would have taken the vehicle with it.

Back to Mitchell’s track and head west. This part of the track was much drier and dusty, with an almost endless number of steep climbs and descents along this and Symes Track for the next 2 hours. The main road was reached near Howqua where some departed for home and others set up camp at camp at Running Creek Reserve for the night.

The next day some drove the winding Jamieson to Eildon Rd on the way home.

The weekends tracks had earned the medium rating but well within the limits of the convoy. If it was wet, parts of it may have become difficult with the red dirt surfaces noting many of the tracks are gated over winter/spring. Summer also has cool but not cold nights the area is known for.

Dan Pajero (Black)

Peter Pajero (Silver)

Tim (Trip Lead) Toyota FJ40

Trip Participants Vehicle

Rick L series turbo

Justin & Jarro L Series (non-turbo)

Tom Forester (White)

Rhys Forester (Silver)

There were grey skies on an early Sunday morning as we headed to the meeting point but the forecast was for fine weather so I expected a good day on the tracks. After leaving Winchelsea on the Princes Hwy with a 6 vehicle convoy, travelling south it wasn’t long until we reached some gravel roads before airing down outside the Vehicle Testing Grounds at Wensleydale. The original plan was to turn into Haggarts Track but the gate was closed so we continued on to Allardyce Track. Only 100 metres in was a rough and holed area. The sand was soft and as they tried to straddle a few of the Subarus began to spin a front wheel in a sandy depression. No problem, reverse back and apply a bit more power to get enough momentum to get the front wheels up and over.

The next track was Denhams. This winds through a mixture of sand, clay and forest for 9 km. While rated medium it was on the easy side in the dry conditions though photo does not show the true depth of the ruts. There are a few climbs and descents along this scenic track. We stopped for lunch at Hammonds, a small campsite that is well set up with grass, firepits, toilets and tables with separate tent area and caravan parking (booking required - Parks Vic).

The afternoon track was Gentle Annie. This track has seen some work recently as it was graded in parts with stones laid making it very easy to climb the numerous small hills. The track ends close to

The rest of the track included sections of sand and a few rutted sections especially on some of the short descents. In parts it was like a dirt rollercoaster..

The track was damp in parts which kept down dust. There were a few wallabies happy to watch from the side of the track as we went past.

Allardyce is about 8 km long and joins to Alcoa Boundary Track where we then turned right. Alcoa had a deep open cut coal mine supporting a power station which was in operation from the 1960’s until 2015. After the Point Henry aluminium smelter (near Geelong) closed in 2014 the electricity was no longer required so the plant began to close. Only the chimney survived demolition and is a landmark visible from some distance way. On Sunday the mine area is filling with water as the area is rehabilitated. It is very close to Angelsea town.

The next track was Denhams. This winds through a mixture of sand, clay and forest for 9 km. While rated medium it was on the easy side in the dry conditions though photo does not show the true depth of the ruts. There are a few climbs and descents along this scenic track. We stopped for lunch at Hammonds, a small campsite that is well set up with grass, firepits, toilets and tables with separate tent area and caravan parking (booking required - Parks Vic).

The afternoon track was Gentle Annie. This track has seen some work recently as it was graded in parts with stones laid making it very easy to climb the numerous small hills. The track ends close to Aireys Inlet where the trip ended. Some chose a walk along the beach and to the lighthouse while others aired up for departure.

The SV Maps Otways East (1:50000) is a great map of this area.

All the tracks named in this report have seasonal closures (usually after Queens Birthday Weekend in June to before Cup Day weekend in November) but as we found in this trip many tracks had gates closed on this weekend.

Tim and Kerry (Trip Lead)

Bev Davison is the Club’s resources coordinator The Club has branded polo shirts, vests, jackets, beanies, and caps

GetintouchwithBevformore details

Resources Coordinator: Bev Davison

resources@subaru4wdvic.com.au