Gisborne to Blackwood
Date: 22nd February 2020 (Saturday)
Description: Lerderderg State Park & Wombat State Forest (Trip predominately follow’s Robert Pepper’s Trek 16). We will meet in Gisborne and travel on the bitumen to the start of Ractliffe Track where we will air down. The day will be spent on tracks between Lerderderg State Park & Wombat State Forest. Ratcliffe track is narrow and requires high clearance (2-inch lift minimum) 4wds and is particularly challenging as there are steep sections and climbs and possibly a water crossing. For the rest of the day the remaining tracks get easier, however some have areas of difficulty; Diggers Track is very rutted especially at the beginning, Amblers lane Track may have a ford to cross, Hayden and Ruth Tracks can be overgrown at times which may cause damage to vehicle paintwork. Some tracks may have steep rocky and rutted banks and some significant mud obstacles after rain.
Weather: Warm to hot but prepare for anything - bring appropriate clothing, food and plenty of water.
Equipment: Well-maintained Low Range 4wd’s with high clearance (minimum 2-inch lift above standard) and have rated recovery points. Genuine All Terrain tyres or Mud tyres with 50% or more tread. No road tyres. Drivers must have completed the RRCV club training. Vehicles must be UHF radio equipped (or one borrowed from the club). Standard recovery gear including dampener, rated snatch strap and shackles, shovel must be carried. No camper trailers, pets or firearms
Trip Standard: This trip is classified Hard.
Fuel: Full tank ex Melbourne / fuel available in Gisborne
Distance: Total – approx. 213km
Trip – approx. 68km of both low and high range driving, Melbourne to Gisborne – approx. 55kms. Blackwood to Melbourne – approx. 90kms
Duration: 1 day
Convoy limit: 6 vehicles
Meeting arrangements: We plan to meet outside the front of The Jolly Miller Café, 29A Brantome Street, Gisborne VIC 3437 and depart at 9am sharp. If you plan to get coffee beforehand then you will need to arrive a little earlier. Don’t forget to bring your completed personal details forms in duplicate (one copy to keep in your glove box and the other to give to the trip leader in the morning at the briefing). We aim to finish around 4pm at the Blackwood Hotel.
Trip Leader: Gary Tinner 0414 742 701 gary.tinner@visaexecutive.com
