Well, both our Enviro tours with the DSE have been run and won.
Each event was a one day ride in the Stanley Forest, with some education on Ecologically Sustainable riding practice that will hopefully help us achieve the aims of the DSE’s Trailbike Project and it’s motto of ‘Ride For Tomorrow’.
Local DSE manager Mick Ritchie came along for the riders briefing and was his usual laid - back, easy to get along with self. He gave some insight into the aims of the DSE and it all made plain sense to me. Respect the bush and respect other bush users should make sense to everyone.
Both events were loads of fun on great tracks. We avoided the use of illegal single trail, sensitive areas and tracks that were so ridiculously rough or difficult that we were bound to fail and flail about causing additional track damage.
Both rides were surprisingly under subscribed a little. Even though I had a waiting list, on each ride several riders either pulled out at the very last minute or simply failed to turn up. This was a little disappointing, as I’d knocked back quite a few entries when we’d reached our limit and had a waiting list going, but the guys on the waiting list, having little warning, organised something else for the day.
In the end though, each rider had a great time on both days. Relative beginners mixed with seasoned veterans who all worked together when needed to ensure the group triumphed at whatever tough obstacle I threw at them.
There were quite a few logs down, what with the past fires and recent wind storms.
Conditions today were ace. Plenty of rain right up until the night before saw no dust. Only a light shower right at the end of the day to dampen us, otherwise the tracks were near perfect.
Due to our partnership with the DSE, we were legally able to access tracks that were otherwise closed to the public, such as in the recently badly burnt areas. This was a major boon for us, as otherwise linking areas together was very difficult.
I ran with two new part time guides today. Thanks to Luke and Khy, who did a great job helping customers and avoiding getting lost.
Cheryl and Sophie did another great job at lunchtime atop Mt Stanley. We rocked up to find tender roast beef or pork rolls and gravy nice and hot accompanied by the usual assortment of sweets, drinks and more. The Honda quick shade was set up the repell the very slight drizzle and it all looked and tasted very professional. Thanks girls.
My photography today was crap. It was fairly dark and my ageing camera doesn’t like the dark much.
That is the last of our DSE Enviro tours and probably the last one I run in the Stanley Forest in the foreseeable future.
