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

Do you have an idea for a magazine topic?

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

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.