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CALENDAR TRIP REPORTS
By the time you read this a group of members will have returned from the Mt Skene trip. Hopefully finding snow which is the challenging part of the trip and why the permit is required to drive this road over winter. We missed snow up at Matlock a few weeks ago but found a river in flood and some tracks in very good winter condition.
Which means until the Pyrenees (rocks and wineries) Cup Long Weekend we have a gap in the schedule. This time of year often sees gate closures at some popular places but I am sure there will be some day trips posted shortly.
I have also scheduled a return trip to Mt Robertson on December 4 and a few nights moving around Woods Point area in February.
And there is the High Country Trip straight after Christmas, ways good fun and a 4WD challenge. Socially the last Sunday in November is the Club Christmas Party. Location moves annually so keep an eye out for that. As always, the website is the best place for information on trips as well as booking your place.
As always, if you have a trip idea, please don’t hesitate to discuss them with me (Tim Folliard) via email at events@subaru4wdvic.com.au.
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
UPCOMING TRIP DATE LEADER (S) DIFFICULTY
Cup Weekend Trip
Pyrenees Sate Forest and Percydale Historic Area 29 Oct - 1st Nov Tim Folliardt
Mt Robertson Kinglake 4 Dec Tim Folliard
Big River to Walhalla via back tracks - early notice 18 Feb – 20 Feb Tim Folliard NW Cape / Port Hedland 27 Mar – 17 May 2023
Considerations
Overall Description
Expected terrain and track conditions
Vehicle suitability
Recovery equipment
Driver Training / Experience
Weather
All Wheel Drive and High Range 4WD. Novice Drivers Mainly High range 4WD but Low range required. Some 4WD experience recommended. Significant Low range 4WD with standard 4WD ground clearance. Should have 4WD driver training. Low range 4WD with High ground clearance. Experienced Drivers
Mostly unsealed roads with no obstacles and minor gradients. Tracks with some steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sections. May have shallow water crossings. Tracks with frequent steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sections. Possible water crossings. Tracks with frequent very steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy sections. May have difficult river crossings.
All wheel Drive and High Range 4WD. Can be low clearance with single range and road tyres. Suitable for medium clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain or road tyres. Suitable for medium to high clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain tyres. Suitable for high clearance vehicles with dual range and tyres suitable for the terrain. (Mud Terrain tyres).
Suitable for novice drivers.
May be difficult in wet conditions. Will be more difficult in wet conditions. Will be more difficult in wet conditions. Will be more difficult in wet conditions.
Recommended that drivers have experience or 4WD training. Recommended to be done in groups of vehicles. Recommended for drivers with reasonable experience or 4WD training. To be done in groups of vehicles. Drivers with extensive experience and advanced training should only attempt as there are several technical challenges. Recommended to be done in groups of four or more vehicles.
Recovery equipment required. Winch / Recovery equipment required.
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 D- Shackles (minimum 3.2t) ❑ Rated Snatch strap / Kinetic rope ❑ Bridal strap / Equaliser strap (*important for Subaru vehicles) ❑ Accessible recovery points for both front and rear ❑ 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)
