Blackwood to Gisborne
Date: 23rd February 2020 (Sunday): 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Description: We will meet in Blackwood where we will air down for the start of the trip. The day will be spent on tracks between Lerderderg State Park & Wombat State Forest. Vehicles must be high clearance (2-inch lift as minimum) as some tracks have areas of difficulty with steep rocky and rutted banks and some significant mud obstacles after rain.
Some of the tracks during the day are easy to medium, however, Ruth Track and Hayden Track can be overgrown at times which may cause damage to vehicle paintwork. XL Track and Bullet Track have some deep ruts and bogs (if wet) as well as steep sections. Amblers lane Track may have a ford to cross. Diggers Track is very rutted especially at the end. And Ratcliffe track is narrow and is particularly challenging as there are steep sections and climbs and possibly a water crossing.
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. 223km
Trip – approx. 78km 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 Blackwood Hotel, 22 Martin St, Blackwood VIC 3458 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 in Gisbourne.
Trip Leader: Gary Tinner 0414 742 701 gary.tinner@visaexecutive.com
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POST TRIP REPORT
6 vehicles. Departed Blackwood 0915. Dry weather. Route travelled. Nth Blackwood Rd, Ruth Tk, Hayden Tk, Chettle Rd, Billet Tk, Mill Rd, XL Tk, XL Link Tk, Chettle Rd, Firth Rd, Burnt Mill Rd, Lloyd Tk, O Briens Rd, Blue Gum /O’Brien Link Tk, Blue Gum Tk, Nuggety Tk up, Blue Gum Tk, Ractcliffe Tk, Firth Rd, Carrolls Lane, arrived Gisborne 1600. 60km. Nuggetty Tk very difficult due rock surface at bottom and rock steps at top. Ractcliffe Tk difficult due rock surface and grades. Ruth Tk can be slippery if wet.
