S4WDCV magazine for April 2023

While I’m writing this, Tim and some intrepid members are out in the Mt. Terrible /Jamieson /Big River area enjoying the bush and following tracks we haven’t been on since the heavy rains late last year. I’m sure there will be stories to tell of their adventures on return.

Over the Labour Day weekend, Dan has organised a come-and-try weekend at “The Block”, a training ground in Tallarook. This had proved very popular, with seventeen vehicles currently booked on the trip, including seven guests. This is evidence that people (including on our Facebook group) want to learn more about the technical side of 4WD-ing. Dan and Tim are looking at options currently for formal training courses.

Our annual Welcome Back BBQ was held on 31 January and we had one of our largest turn-ups in some years, which is pleasing as we regain our confidence generally following the pandemic. We are not complacent about COVID however and ask people with symptoms not to attend meetings and events if they test positive or have symptoms pending testing.

At the January meeting, the club Awards were announced. Congratulations to Dan Ho and Erica Auld, who were names as Clubman and Clubwoman of the Year for 2022. The full list of winners can be found in the Minutes of the General Meeting.

We’ll be holding the annual Photo Competition at our club meeting on 28 February. Members will vote for their best picture or movie in each category.

Thanks to Dot Greiveson for her work in organisation. Note that this meeting is face-to-face only (no Zoom).

I’d like to welcome to the club new member Thushan Fernando. I hope you enjoy your time with us. Please make him feel welcome.

Martin Foot President President@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Contents

ISSUE: 500

(Jan-Feb 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 get out on the weekend with some fine weather, good company and some 4WD tracks in good condition

Seven vehicles tackled Mt Terrible via all the alternative (more difficult) tracks and then the full length of Mitchell's Track in the Howqua Valley A large tree down only a few kilometres from camp caused a rethink on the destination for the day but when you're not on a tight timeline you can change your plans on the run

Most of the vehicles were relatively stock vehicles and handled steep medium tracks without difficulty It was dry, I would reconsider after 100mm of rain! So if you are thinking you would like to try some short trips but haven't yet fitted a lift kit/AT tyres/fridge etc you can in the right conditions. Otherwise you may never go. Subarus (late models especially) should consider underbody protection and a club member does make a range of these to suit.

Always good to get a photo of the old cruiser in action

Tim Folliard Vice-President vice-president@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Welcome to the 1st Club Magazine for 2023!

I would like to take this significant milestone to acknowledge previous Editors who made significant contributions to the Club’s magazine over the Club’s 47 years and progressed the club to what it is today.

I should also note that the job of Editor was much more laborious “back in the day” before digital photography and publishing became easily accessible and widely available

Ho

Magazine Editor editor@subaru4wdvic.com.au

Daniel

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

Labour Day "Play"at the Block

10-13 March 2023 Tallarock

Daniel has organised use of a private property with clubhouse set up for 4WD training plus access to the Forest. So far there are 17 vehicles of which 10 are new members or guests. While not official training, we will be able to test our skills from easy to difficult obstacles in a more controlled environment as well as explore the local area.

Simpson Desert Crossing

18 June to 9 July 2023

There may still be an option to join the Simpson crossing trip. Vehicles would need to be well prepared

There will be some more day trips and weekend camps coming up but I am always looking for trips from members, 4WD tracks or more social drives. Let me know what your ideas are so they can be posted for bookings on the website.

Please note that trips may be postponed or cancelled due to extreme weather (fire risk / storms) or Public Health restrictions at short notice.

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

Be warned that track conditions can change. Weather and traffic can quickly turn tracks that have been rated as “Easy / Medium” on maps into extremely difficult tracks.

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 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

Notable content

• Financial statement for the year ending 30/6/87. Balance at bank: $5,888

• Article: “Driving in Snow”, excerpt from Bob Waar’s “Off-Road handbook

• Centrefold pics at of “Winter Mud” at Wonnangatta and Turramurra

• Upcoming Trip: Little River Trip, on the Wimmera River at Horse Shoe Bend with the S.A. Club

• Trackwatch excerpt: Important Alpine Area Proposals

• 11th Birthday celebrations coming up on 20/9/87

• Editorial by Stephen Kendall

Notable content

• 20th Birthday Party celebrations coming up at the Junction Oval, St. Kilda on 5/10/96

• Editorial by Cynthia Rennolds

• Trip report - the Great Port Drive (port as in a commemorative bottle of port)

• Upcoming trips to Beechworth Stanley and Sunset Country / Border Track

• 20 Year Honour Roll (listing all past club office bearers)

• Pictorial of club highlights (5 pages)

• Article on Tyres and Lift Kits

Notable content

• Club Birthday Trip Report - Albert Park Lake

• Trip Information Sheet - Kangaroo Island over the Cup day long weekend 29/10 - 1/11/05

• FWDV - Policy on Removal of Seats from vehicles (S.A. and Vic)

• Upcoming events: Bike Ride along the Warburton Trail; Base Camp restaurant social event

• Letter from Police to 4WD Clubs and Trail Bike riders re conditions in the Woods Point area following storms.

• News of a new Subaru Liberty GT tuned by STI, available as a sedan and wagon

Notable content

• Photo Competition at the February GM

• Notice of Working Bee at Buchan (dismantling of the Buchan Shelter), 8 - 10/3/14

• Upcoming Trips: Otways Trip, led by Michael Hartshorne; Lerderderg Gorge, lead by Jessica Walsh; Arkaroola / Lake Coongie / Mindee Lakes Round Trip, led by Martin Foot and Dorothy Greiveson

• Trip Report: Australia Day long weekend trip to Healesville, Bonnie Doon, Mount Stirling, Craig’s Hut, Sheepyard Flat and Mt. Terrible.

TRIP & SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT WHOWANTSTOGOTOTHE

PORTLAND SAND DUNES (AGAIN)??

S

WAN LAKE CAMPING AREA, MT RICHMOND

In May 2022, Dan Ho ran a trip to the Portland Dune Buggy Club’s property. Since that time, several people within the Club have enquired when the next trip to the Portland Sand Dunes might be.

What are the sand dunes like?

The sand dunes at Portland are migrating sand dunes. This means they are constantly shifting in shape and location as they are blown by the wind. Unlike the sand dunes in the Big Desert and on the Border Track, the sand here is not held together by vegetation and there is not a firm base underneath the loose sand. In short, they are not dissimilar to the sand dunes one see in films of the Sahara Desert sand dunes, just a different colour.

What is it like to drive on these sand dunes?

Driving on these sand dunes is nothing like driving on sandy beaches, Big Desert, or the Border Track. It is a little like driving on deep dense snow.

How far is the PDBC?

The PDBC’s facility is adjacent to the public campground at Swan Lake, Mount Richmond (https://goo.gl/maps/bCgZ74i3RVZ9q1bQ6). It is 380km from Melbourne.

It is accessible with large caravans and camper trailers.

What is the typical itinerary?

The itinerary for this trip is a relaxing one. There is no rushing involved.

The PDBC campground has good quality bore water, flushing toilets, and designated fire pits.

There are sources of wood nearby, making it easy to have a good size camp fire each night.

Friday: For those arriving in time, a 2hr reccy starting after lunch to familiarise with the terrain and navigation.

Sat&Sun: A morning session and an afternoon session, with lunch back at Camp. Finish the day no later than 4pm for nibbles and drinks

Mon: Leisurely pack up in the morning. Lunch in Portland, then head home

Vehicle requirements

The sand dunes are steep and the bases of them involve sharp angles. It is not uncommon for vehicles to suffer front and rear bumper damage. Therefore, your vehicle must meet the following requirements:

• Good approach angle. Note that Outbacks and XV not fitted with SX bull bars are likely end up ripping their front bumper bar off.

• Good departure angle. Note that Outbacks with stock rear bumper are likely to suffer rear bumper bar damage.

This sounds dangerous. Why are we going driving on the sand dunes?

Driving at the Portland Sand Dunes certainly has potential for vehicle damage. Equally, driving on those sand dunes is a lot of fun. The scenery is fantastic with a relaxing pace to allow time to soak in the experience. It is not for everybody, but many 4WDrivers go back to Portland year after year.

Let the Trip and Social Coordinator know if you would like to see the Club organise another trip to the Portland Sand Dunes.

Video of the 2022 trip

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

The light drizzle and grey cloud soon cleared up to the fine sunny day once we got onto the tracks. After meeting for coffee in Gisborne. It was a short drive to enter the State Park and air down. Heading along Firth Rd, the first track was Diggers Track.

While in good condition, bog holes and deep ruts slowed us down. We were out of the vehicle and on foot checking out the best lines, which usually avoided the deepest holes, but did require straddling of some decent ruts and avoiding trees. The dark, deep bog hole was uninviting

There was a section with 4 options, 2 quite deep bog holes with very step entrance/exits (mini Gunshot Creek someone said), a shorter water filed hole and a rutted side track. Three modified vehicles with a younger crew approached from the opposite direction and expecting them to get through quickly, gave them some space. In the end as a good demonstration that some obstacles are too difficult. The first two holes got them wet and muddy but unable to exit the other end. In the effort mirrors were removed and eventually they backed out. By this time we were keen to move on so we got

The mud had the consistency of wet concrete. The photo does not really show the depth of the ruts.

The side track had some decent wheel ruts and close trees

the rest of the convoy through and continued while they were still trying to get through hole number 3 while the immediate area filled up with “rolling coal” smoke. We then come to a hilly section that included a few rock steps and then a few washed out holes to negotiate.

After lunch as Lerderberg Campground (Toilet, fireplaces and tables), it was an easier drive down to linking up and heading north on XL Track to Chettle Rd. From there it was a good track south down Amblers Lane, back to O’Briens Rd and time to air up before departing along the GreendaleTrentham Rd to the Western Hwy. A good driving day with on the slightly easier side of medium suitable for all our vehicles – with guidance for the vehicles with the low clearance (and a few anxious moments). All vehicles returned unscathed and not too dirty either.

A few rock ledges on the descent testing approach and departure angles

More rocks and holes for Tom

Thusan in the Lerderberg River on Amblers Lane. Two months ago it was in flood. Today it barely wet the wheels but was nice and clear.

We will be back soon to finish the tracks of Wombat State Forest.

Trip Participants Vehicle

Rick K Subaru L-Series

Duy N Suzuki Grand Vitara

Les R with Matt E Isuzu MUX

Michal H Isuzu MUX

Patrick W Subaru Forester

Thushan F Subaru Forester

Tom M Subaru Forester

Tim F (Trip Lead) Toyota FJ40

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

FWDV EVENTS AND