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Vintage Enduro Riders Inc (VERi) Blackwood Vinduro

30 August, 2015 – Blackwood, Victoria

Despite being a tad wetter than the inaugural event, the second vintage enduro at Blackwood in Victoria attracted more entrants. There was the usual variety of machinery typically seen at VERi events, and entrants came from as far away as SA and the ACT. In the rainy days leading up to the event Club Secretary Peter Drakeford set out the 50 km course with a handful of volunteers, and stuck to his claim that “there are no water crossings, just a few puddles.” Conditions on the day were certainly challenging, with some of these so-called “puddles” more like lakes. At times it felt as if there was a greasy hill climb around every corner, and no shortage of slippery logs across the track to catch out the unwary. It was all good fun though, and the 80 riders who took part had a memorable experience. As a rider I was glad that I heeded good advice and fitted a new front tyre. Aside from some slipping and sliding, my only issue occurred when a piece of wood lodged itself between the chain and rear sprocket and dislodged the chain on my XT250. Fortunately it was an easy fix and I was soon underway again. Special mention must go to vinduro first timer Leigh, who completed a lap on a Yamaha DT100. Leigh thoroughly enjoyed himself, and reckoned that the DT was a great little performer, though it did make hard work of some of the long hills. Most riders completed one or two laps of the 50km course, with a hardy handful clocking up three – quite an achievement in the tricky conditions. More than one rider has proclaimed that Blackwood is their favourite event on the VERi calendar, and the club looks forward to hosting the third Blackwood Vinduro in 2016.