The Tassie Ride Report
(as it happened in slack 😀)
HWY58
17:08
Bike all covered up outside my Devonport Hotel with the Spirit of Tasmania in the background
Fri 14 March
Peter Whitmore
07:24
Great day yesterday on the Tassie ride. Late arrival due to delays getting a vehicle off in Melbourne before we left.
Some fantastic level 3 tracks with some technical sections, some fast flowing covered in tracks. And one really good detour around a tree via creek crossing with a challenging exit for which Michael Groves was the victor. Great team
Work enabled us to get all the bikes out without incident.
All participants had a great day with plenty of stories over dinner.
Now for Day 2 bring it on.
Sat 15 March
HWY58
07:14
Morning from Strahan Breakfast at The Kitchen before we hit the beach
David McGowan
08:17
Yesterday’s ferry trip, once on the other side the fires were still smouldering.
Peter Whitmore
13:33
Day 2 Smithton to Strahan
Level 3
some more amazing tracks: a mint breakout early in the day covered in tracks with plenty of logs to go over and trees to go under.
Then onto the western Explorer what an absolutely cereal experience burnt out most of the way and in some places still burning.
Lunch at Corinna on the Pieman then over the river on the barge. Next some fantastic breakouts, the first being a level 4 rocky track., Hat’s off to all the L3 crew for negotiating this track at a good pace .
Next L 3 breakout was not so rocky but some good steep climbs.
Then headed to Strahan and onto the Ocean beach this experience was just fantastic. A 5 km high speed run along a beautiful ocean beach. What a way to finish the Day
Two days down.
Clinton Buckwell
18:53
Level 2 Day 2
After a great meal and sleep at Smithton we all headed off to Strahan via one of the most scenic coastal rides hugging the coast via quaint little villages like Penguin. Headed inland via great twistie bitumen and fast flowing (legally compliant speeds) All had a great time with no incidents, accidents or damage. Rode through all the recent bushfire areas, many of which were still smokin. Unbelievable photos will be posted. All ended up for tea at Hamers in Strahan, which is a quaint fishing village, inundated with Grey Haired nomads. Great day had by all. Michael Nagle the new Tutu recipient, for day 3, even though I fought desperately to retain it.
Ed Peeler
19:04
Great ride today, starting on the beach for a warm-up
Clinton showing off to get the attention of the pretty young maiden under the bridge
Clinton Buckwell
19:11
Level 2 Grade 2
after an early morning start at the local breaky joint we all headed off to the beach, following the grade 3s ride from the previous day. What an experience, all participants had a ball, smiles ear to ear. After a quick supermarket visit we headed off to Queenstown. Plenty of lookouts and short walks on the way stopped at Frenchman’s Cap and walked over an interesting suspension bridge. Quick lunch at Derwent Bridge, followed shortly by a visit to the WALL. Then a quick fang (legally speed compliant) to Tarraleah, where we are all about to break bread. Great day, great camaraderie. TUTU recipient be advised, self nominating again
Sun 16 March
Peter Whitmore
06:33
Hal’s turn for the skirt today.
Not because he dropped his bike entering the morning Beach run but because he got caught refueling his bike in the morning when the ride briefing clearly requests that all riders refuel when they get into town at night.Grovesy
22:05
Adventure riding through the massive Tarkine Wilderness area with recent fires (road had only just opened) thru forests of myrtle beech, celery top pine, blackwood, & wild rivers lined with Huon pines.
Tasmania Wild West coast, some call the edge of the world where the roaring 40s winds & huge waves smash the West coast.
Had to cross the pieman on The “Fatman” Barge allowing us to still travel from north to south. It is the only cable driven barge remaining in Tasmania. A beer & lunch in historic Corinna :beers:.
We made it into Strahan late for a well earned hot shower and awesome meal at the pub, but not before we had rode out to Hells gate via the coastal beach. This was day 2 in Tassie. What a hoot.
Peter Whitmore
06:56
Day 3 level 3
Strahan to Tarraleah.
Day 3 started out with a morning beach run for all that didn’t have the opportunity the night before.
It would be remiss of us if the second group did not have the opportunity to experience such an amazing part of our ride.
It was extremely pleasing to see the huge grins on everyone’s faces both during and on completion of this session. Everyone Acquitted themselves extremely well considering most had never experienced this type of riding before.
The remainder of the day was mainly a transition run with some beautiful twisty bitumen roads.
A couple of stop overs including some splendid waterfalls and the Wall.
The wall being someone’s lifetime of work, wood carving Huen Pine Panels. If ever in this part of Tassie it is a must see.
Up the road then on to a dirt section that ran along a pipeline which is predominantly made from timber with metal bands around the circumference. It went for several kilometres. This led us into Tarraleah, a settlement established for the construction of one of Tasmania’s many Hydro Power Stations. Dinner plenty of Banter, Laughter then off to bed to recharge for tomorrow’s ride to Hobart.
Michael Nagle – Ride Committee
18:34
You take the easy way you wear the skirt
Mon 17 March
Clinton Buckwell
11:25
Day 4 Level 2
Stopped overnight at Tarraleah. All enjoyed an evening meal, good food, great service Hal inducted into the TUTU Club. Tarraleah grounds and facilities are a must see if you’re in this part of the woods :wood: 8a.m. Full brekky, then on the bikes. We then completed the stage we had bypassed the previous day, We all did a far bit of Slip sliding away, a couple perfecting the away, turned out to be as much fun and a challenge as the previous day sand ride, Quick squirt down the black top to Ouste to refuel and the best coffee in Tasmania, evidently it tasted like it had been filtered through a camels riders jock strap, that rich in tasted most could only finish a mouthful. Rest of the day you could only describe as a combination of licorice allsorts and a mixed bag of lollies, you didn’t know what you were getting next, but it was all good FUN, Light rain heavy rain, mud, red shitty stuff, rocky road, quick, quicker [legal speed limits observed) slowly slowly. Pretty well all level 2 surfaces ticked off. The black stuff only just before Hobart. Ryan MCkenzie inducted to the chicken magnet club, which will be interesting on St. Paddy’s day. Most have opted for a rest day, bike repairs, washing etc etc. All having a great time, plenty of bullshit banter and not a terse word uttered, between us. What an adventure
Peter Whitmore
12:15
Day 4 Level 3.
Started out the day from Tarraleah as per Clinton’s report but we only traveled about 3 km to our first Breakout.
Straight into it up some nasty power line tracks which were wet and rocky. It wasn’t long before we approached our first big hill with Trevor leading us. Today he looked up and thought holy shit I don’t know if I can get up this on his trusty KTM 690. But nevertheless not wanting to let us down he had a crack and managed to get up the beast of the hill. It was one of those hills Benji would describe as not being able to get up there on a ladder. And for Trevor to have thoughts of doubt you can imagine how steep it was. Next was Iron Man Paul on his DR well he scuttled up there with apparent ease but he assures me that was t the case. My turn next and I knew 2 were already up so give it shit and hang on and hope for the best. I managed to climb the wall with a massive sigh of relief and possibly some disbelief.
Mat on his T7 gave it a red hot crack and all but got to the top. Then Mike called for assistance to help Matt get going so we scarpered down and Matt got moving again and completed the track with ease. As sweep Mike followed and we couldn’t wait to get excess clothing off, even though it was only 9 deg we were cooked.
All agreed this was a level 4 plus hill.
Just what we needed to start the day.
Once the challenging breakout was completed it was on to easier flowing tracks in rain storms and the odd patch of sun.
Some of our level 3 tracks had been blocked almost at the end of them so it was a U Turn buck up the track to get back to our original Route.
Then late in the afternoon the unthinkable happened. I had a flat front tire for the first in all my years of riding. Well it had to happen sometime. A quick tube change with some handy helpers and then we headed to Hobart for a hot shower and a meal.
Peter Whitmore
19:03
Jeffery’s Track Tasmania 2024
19:08
Jefferys track Tasmania they came they rode and they concurred.
Paul and I rode the infamous Jefferys track today.
What an afternoon out this track was very challenging but also absolutely enjoyable and gave us both such a sense of achievement.
This track is a must do track when you are in Tassie if you are up for the Challenge.
Wed 19 March
Clinton Buckwell
05:30
Level 2 days 5 and 6.
All of the Level 2 riders opted for a day off the tracks on day 5 with most of us going our own separate ways, some stayed around for St Paddy’s day, some went to Mona, some just taking a look around Hobart. We ended up meeting up for an evening get together and meal at the customs house hotel, near the Salamanca precinct. Only two Level 3 riders, Pete and Paul ventured to the tracks. The now highly sought after TUTU, was procured by Michael, who’s wife now has her own b…. Early morning ride to the meeting point had us riding through the peak hour traffic, albeit that we were riding against the traffic, and less busy than Melbourne’s Sunday traffic. Once we cleared the bridge it was a leisurely ride up to the meeting point, were we learnt the some low life pond scum had stolen Peter and badly damaged
Ryan’s bike. We set off with the remaining Level 2 riders being privileged to be accompanied by the super elite level 3 boys. Not long after the meeting point we were off on the dirt tracks with the elite setting a cracking (legal speed) . Very shortly after Elite Pete showed us why they are the elite, popping out the other side of a locked gate, whilst us mere mortals are still working out how to unlock the gate. The following track was brilliant, no threat of oncoming cars, but the end was where the first of the day’s adventure bit occured. Confronted by another locked gate the elite and us mere mortals teamed up to successfully manoeuvre all the bikes through a tight steep section, a special challenge for the big girls with there wide engines, after a bit of huffing and puffing we all made it through, the use of Elite Petes tow rope providing the solution. We continued on with a few alterations to the gpx files to tracks overlooking some of the best coastal views you could ever hope to find. The next challenge was a bit of a wee puddle, which evidently Elite Pete popped through whilst the rest of us literally ended up pond scum, with knee deep mud, especially challenging for the big girls. After many a laugh and a bit of pushing and shoving we all ended up on the other side. Plenty of good footage taken. After yet more fantastic tracks we ended up for lunch at Port Arthur. A bit of spirited riding (legal speed) followed. The conclusion of this section the group split with some opting to stay on the black top, whilst some took the longer dirt road, turns out longer can end up being shorter with the rest of us turning up in Orford before them. All went our own separate ways to different accommodation, all catching up for some more comradeship at the EastEnders restaurant. David McGowan taking over the Red TUTU for the day. In conclusion it was a great day on the tracks blessed with perfect weather and being accompanied by the Elite
Peter Whitmore
07:44
Breakfast of champions,one of the Elite getting his strength up ready for the big day.
Peter Whitmore
07:56
Ryan with his new stead, half way through our Tassie Trip Due to some unfortunate circumstances.
Well done to Pete and Ryan for not letting any obstacle get in the way.
David McGowan
10:15
Bit of a rough day yesterday. Great L2 ride today.
Peter Whitmore
12:12
Paul has spent too much time in Tasmania; he has grown another head.
Matt Davey
18:05
What happens on level 3 stays on level 3
Cute
Peter Whitmore
19:30
3 wise men preparing for tomorrow.
Thursday 20 March
Clinton Buckwell
15:58
Day 7 Level 2
after a great feed and catch up at Eastcoaster Resort we all went our own ways to varying accommodation. ED secured his nightgown TUTU for the next 24 hours. Brekky at Orford CAFE, then the elite team went off to do their epic 90k whilst us Pond Scum headed off for our 350k run. Ed taking the charge of the group on his maiden lead ride. Apart from one small Rocky Road section the rest was a combination of high speed gravel and black top, (legal speed limit stuff) whilst the distance travelled was longer the average speed time was nudging 70ks, previous days average 50 to 55. The topography of the ride changed completely once we reached the Southern Highlands, in total contrast to the normally highly forested terrain, there was hardly any vegetation and what little there was looks like it’s just surviving. Typical of the flora and fauna you get above the snowline. We were blessed with blue skies, not a hint of rain, and a very comfortable mid 20s, perfect MC weather. The highlight of the trip was the Old Hydro power station, Waddamana, closed in 1965. What we thought would be a 5 minute visit turned into an hour and a half. A must visit if you’re in the area. A long sweeping ride back to Richmond, then a quick fang (legal speed limit) back to Orford. Met up at the Bluewaters Hotel for an evening meal. Just managed to avoid the dreaded TUTU due to a legal technicality. Starting to feel victimised and targeted, but I guess that’s just what happens when you’re a stand out rider.
Clinton Buckwell
16:18
Ride day 8 Level 2.
After a good night’s sleep, anxiety free, as I didn’t have TUTU as sleeping attire we all met at the Orford cafe for a briefing. It was at this juncture it was confirmed the Elite team had managed to lure away our previous days leader Ed. We train him up, then they poached him. Both groups headed off to respective rides, within one hour Level 2 had covered one third of the ride on a combination of black top twisting and corrugated really rocky road, after a short break we turned right into the enchanted forest. The condition of the track changed to a track littered with twigs small branches of leaves. Our lead in the Enchanted was Little Red Riding TUTU, AKA Jeff Cornock, who despite his obvious popularity, and the loathing of the group towards me, managed to procure the said TUTU as a result of a technicality. 2 kms into the forest we were confronted with a huge tree over the track. Having gleaned valuable advice and experience when co riding with the Elite group a few days before we managed to overcome and move forward, only to be confronted by another massive :deciduous_tree:, We managed to haul this out of the way. Onwards and downwards we were confronted with an impassable (level 4) track and retreated back to our starting point. That 4 Kms took longer than the 1st 65 kms. From there a leisurely ride on more Rocky Road and Twisties, down to Bichino for Lunch. A quick squirt (legal speed limit) to our respective accommodation at Scamanda via St.Marys. Can’t help wondering who’s the next recipient of the coveted TUTU.
Friday 21 March
Clinton Buckwell
16:20
Day 9 level 2.
After brekky, opposite our accommodation, the standard daily ride briefing was held. The elite handed us back. Ed, when they spirited him away from the pond scum (level 2) he was well trained and in excellent health, what they returned was a mere shell of his former self, busted and broken, requiring prescribed drugs to keep him mobile. Despite our recommendations to abandon the day’s ride at St Helens, Ed being the trooper that he is, decided to ride with L2 for the full day. After a quick squirt (legal speed limit) up the coastline we managed to drop off all of our gear at tonight’s accom, in St Helens. From there it was a left hand turn up the mountain and so another magical day began. I’ve named this ride the “Over the Hill and Down Dale* ride, because that is exactly fits the description, the topography, weather, road type, vistas and scenery seemed to change constantly with no consistency, one minute your riding through a logging forest, next minute your riding through a valley of dairy cows. Travelling through small hamlets like, Ringarooma, Branxholm and Lower Kingswall, we arrived at Derby, once famous for Tin mining, now famous for mountain biking. After lunch we headed off back towards St Helens, one section you could have sworn you were riding through the Black Spur. An interesting Goat :goat: track on the way up was mirrored on the way down. Overall, a shorter day of about 150 kms with an average moving speed of 50 km/h was perfect, giving us a break for the longer last day’s ride into Devenport tomorrow. P.S. Paul Mckenzie (one of the elite) was awarded the TUTU, but unless I’m mistaken, apart from moving 12 kms to new accommodation, the elite, now known as the soft c…. didn’t even ride today.
Peter Whitmore
16:55
Well Clinton, sorry to break Ed but he stuck with us all day and refused to yield. He has earned his elite status.
But I must say he is the second level 2 member to be broken by the Elite. The other participant was Michael Nagel he only lasted about one hour before yielding and putting up the white flag. This caused me to Deliver Michael back to the main road safely before returning to my comrades and continuing our adventure for the day.
All good fun and certainly great participation. Good to see Michael and Ed having a crack. Ed being the clear winner on this occasion.
Saturday 22 March
Clinton Buckwell
07:55
So begins the last day of Tassie 2025. St. Helens to Devonport, via a couple of hundred kms of dirt tracks. It will be interesting to see how the elite handle such a long distance after doubtful bike fitness, managing only 12 kms yesterday. Anyways us level 2 (pond scum) are ready to roll, inspired by the phoenix rising of ED, the man of the moment. We are attributing his vast overnight improvement as a result of intensive therapy sponsored by the MEGA campaign.
Clinton Buckwell
15:40
Just having a short break in Launceston at Cataract Gorge Reserve, before making our way to the ferry at Devonport. Rode over through dirt roads and another steep goat :goat: track, to end up at the base of Ben Lomond National Park. We then proceeded to ascend the road to the top, to one of the world’s most picturesque vistas. They saved the best for the last day. Turns out Ed’s chassis is twisted, requiring a realignment, and maybe some adjustments to his shockers. More to follow. I believe they’re going to appoint the ongoing ownership of the once coveted, now dreaded TUTU, on the ferry on the way home. Being one of the stronger riders with the least amount of infringements/nominations I’m feeling very confident that I won’t be the recipient. Time tells all
Peter Whitmore
21:41
2025 Tassie trip done and dusted.
All riders now on board the Spirit; safe and sound. All bikes intact.
35,000 accumulated kilometres.
With one flat tyre, one electrical fault and one cracked weld on a pannier rack.
This is a credit to all riders for their bike preparation.
All riders completed the entire trip with no retirements.
Trevor Baston, Michael Groves and David McGowan are staying on in Tassie for a bit while the remaining members are heading to the bar.
A massive thank you to Tim, Micky D, Craig and Coops for laying the groundwork for what has been an amazing trip.
Our trip carried the ethos of 3 words.
1/ Inclusion
2/ completion
3/ Safety
We wanted to include all riders in the various tasks throughout the trip. Including Leading and Sweeping.
A very high emphasis was placed on all riders completing the entire journey.
Safety was paramount and discussions took place each and every day in this regard.
There was no compromise for safety and all participants were extremely compliant.
The results speak for themselves.
Thanks to each and every rider for their willingness to participate and pitch in and help make this trip such a success.
David McGowan
08:25
Top trip. Tassie. Thanks to all involved. It’s going to be hard to beat this one.
Michael Dazenko
11:38
Well done boys Tassie has lots to offer once you go there you get hooked on the place There’s so much to see
Now any ideas as where to go for the next tour…?
Clinton Buckwell
11:45
An old expression; Failing to plan is like planning to Fail. The meticulous planning of this ride by many including; the recce guys, but mainly due to the efforts of “Elite Pete” and Jeff. A well planned trip without participants is just a plan. I can confidently say that all participants had a memorable, safe, enjoyable 10 days. We all jelled as a group, with no grief, agro . Different people ride with different desires, some its the achievement of a hard track, some its the sights, some its the comradeship. I believe although we were an odd bunch of characters with differing personalities and different requirements, the ride served each ones requirements, a hard task to acheive. A bit like the ride it self, multifaceted and differing every day. Well done to all of us.