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Lano beginners ride
Report by Col.
After Danny had got a taste of trail riding a few months back on an old XR 250, he decided it was time to speak nicely to the wife and convince her that the purchase of a late model steed would make his life complete but not keep him away from the long list of projects she had earmarked for him. He spotted Bazza's Gas Gas on the notice board and before she knew it, he had the new Gasser home in the shed. Another beginners ride was called to give Danny the opportunity to see if he could hang on to the new ride. 5 other newbies took the opportunity to tag along, check out the trails and to see what CQ land was all about. We kicked off with a short riders briefing reminding them all that dirt bike riding is dangerous and you can be injured or worse!!! I also reminded them that the Lano trails are used by 4 x4's and an array of unrego'd quads, mxer's and anything else that is used on dirt. As we had a mix of dirt bike experience we decided to break into smaller groups and simply meet up at some predetermined locations. We also met up with the "other" CQer's out for a ride to Cervantes. The trip to Wedge was reasonably uneventful with only a few minor offs and a couple of little bike problems. After a regroup on the beach with the other riders we headed back on the main trail on then for a spin on the more technical inland "dunes". Just before the time trail section I cautiously dropped over a larger downhill dune to find Biggsy laying face down in the dirt. He says his front wheel washed out and he simply lost it. He had copped a set of bars in the ribs and looked like he was in a bit of pain. Looking very good for the SOTD award he remounted the 300 and we headed on. Not too far down the trail, Danny got a little untidy and went over the bars. Pete was right behind him and said the bike did a nice flip and then landed partly on him. Danny had hit his head hard smashing his peak and winded himself badly to the point he started to turn white!!!!!!! He took some time to recover and rode the rest of the journey very cautiously. The stack was however good enough to outdo Biggsy off and pick up the SOTD award. I didn't get to see a lot of the riding by all the new fellows however I awarded the ROTD award to Ab on his KTM. He hasn't done a whole lot of dirt riding and after taking it steady out to Wedge his confidence began to build and he picked up his pace and was showing plenty of style. On a long fast flowing but fairly boggy section near home he chased me hard and looked like he was ready for a full on CQ day out. Lindsay also rode in our little group. Not quite as confident as Ab he still managed a decent pace and showed it won't be long before he is up there in the pack. Evan rode with Roley and did OK on the hard pack stuff but said he really struggled in the inland dunes. Most of the new guys looked absolutely stuffed by the time they were back at the trailers but all commented on how much fun they had and thanked the volunteers for showing them around.         |
