MADCAT VICTORIA ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE CLUB

MADCAT ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE CLUB is a group for riders of road registered motorcycles who prefer off-roading or adventure touring.

We explore Victoria on as many back roads as we can amongst some of the most breathtaking natural environments and scenery Australia has to offer. We run day rides just to get time on our bikes and are also looking to organise interstate trips.

OUR FOCUS
The focus of our day rides, weekends away and longer trips is to have fun and create a positive, inclusive social atmosphere.

Things dont always go to plan...

…But thats all part of the Adventure! The club is very supportive of its members, an Adventure bike is heavy and its always handy to have a few extra hands to pick one up!

Rides are taylored to skill levels but sometimes conditions and be unexpected.

Club activities

Safety information

LET FAMILY AND FREINDS KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND LOOK AFTER YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY

Always download the .gpx file from the location specified in the ride notes before you ride and let your family and friends know where you are going. Carry the map with you at all times during the ride.

The ride leader will make the .gpx file known to ride members in the ride notes well before each ride starts.

If you decide to join us for rides, please make yourself and your family or friends aware of the risks you are taking when you decide to ride with a MADCAT group. Make sure you can contact them if you have an accident and please wear and bring appropriate safety gear for the conditions of your ride which may change throughout the day or adventure.

ALWAYS RIDE WITHIN THE LIMITS OF YOUR ABILITY

Sometimes, our sense of adventure takes us to places that some may find difficult to ride in terms of track and weather conditions and environmental or mechanical factors.

These environments or conditions can create a serious risk to your personal safety.

If you feel intimidated by the terrain or conditions at any stage on your ride, make sure you remain within the limits of your own capabilities and appetite for risk. You may need to turn back, take another route, or head home if you feel unsafe or become tired. Always put your safety first. In our experience, tiredness is a major factor in crashing your bike and hurting yourself.

MAKE YOURSELF AWARE OF THE RISKS OF ADVENTURE RIDING AND PUT EMERGENCY MEASURES IN PLACE PRIOR TO YOUR RIDE

We’ve had situations where riders fall, injure themselves and require emergency recovery or help, so have your emergency measures in place before you ride. Always make sure you have enough energy to arrive home safely after the ride.

Accidents can happen as a result of rider error or any number of environmental, social and mechanical factors. These are some (not all) of the risks of adventure riding so please take care and be your own judge.

We urge you to make yourself aware of the risks associated with off-road riding and motorcycles in general.

Everyone who leads a MADCAT ride is a volunteer. We don’t charge fees, we leave it to you to assess your own capability to make sure you have the appropriate safety gear, bike, and attitude. The ride leader will check in with all group members before each ride to make sure you’re aware of and comfortable with the risks.

Organise your own roadside assistance, bring your PLB, GPS, tools and first-aid kit.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE APPROPRIATE SAFETY GEAR, A DEPENDABLE BIKE THAT IS FIT FOR RIDE CONDITIONS AND CHECK YOUR INSURANCE

You are responsible for recovering your bike if you have an accident.

You’ll need to ensure your bike is in excellent condition and fit-for-purpose and your insurance covers you as you venture into the bush off-road. Have someone available for roadside assistance to recover you and your bike if you need it. We’re a small group of regular people with a common interest who are not recovery experts, paramedics, specialist riders, trainers or first aiders. We’re like-minded individuals who enjoy adventure riding.

Accidents and emergencies happen (we ride in the bush in often unpredictable weather conditions for example) so make sure you bring what it is you need to stay safe and warm and make the most of your adventure!

See below for a list of what we recommend you may need to ride with us.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR MADCAT RIDES

If you’re not sure what to pack or bring with you on MADCAT adventures, the list below will help. Your personal safety should be your number one priority.

If you’re not accustomed to spending a day or multiple days on the road then please read on.

You will need bags or luggage strapped/attached to your bike so you can get to the gear you need quickly and easily when stopping and/or on overnight rides. Please be aware hard panniers are easily damaged when your bike falls and can be awkward or cause you injury in off-road situations. They can be wide and heavy, which may impact your ability to ride some trails.

Whilst its important not to over pack, there are some items that you absolutely should take and others that may make your ride more enjoyable. Weather conditions in certain areas (High-Country for example) are unpredictable so you need to be able to cover a wide temperature range and keep dry, even on day rides. Always be prepared.

RIDING GEAR

ADVENTURE PANTS AND JACKETS should be comfortable, weatherproof, abrasion resistant and have CE Approved soft armour inserts fitted in key areas (knee, hip, elbow, shoulder and back). Multiple ventilation zips are wonderful when conditions are warmer.

Your HELMET should fit well, snug but not so tight it causes discomfort when worn for longer periods. You should have a tinted and clear visor, or a flip down tinted visor is a good solution for varying light conditions. An anti-fog insert or treatment is worth the investment.

GOGGLES are handy if the track gets dusty or in colder conditions when a fogged visor can cause vision issues.

ADVENTURE BOOTS, enduro boots or similar should be purpose built providing good shin and ankle protection. Good boots will be the difference between a bruise and a broken or crushed leg. Lighter adventure touring boots may be waterproof and more comfy but they won’t offer the same protection in the event of a crash or mishap.

GLOVES are essential and you should always travel with two sets. Use one pair for colder or wet conditions, waterproof and with a built-in squeegee on the left index finger to easily wipe your helmet visor in the rain. Another set of lighter gloves is very handy for when conditions are warmer, these should still be strong and abrasion resistant, they just don’t need to be as insulated and bulky.

CAMELBACK or similar for drinking, a hydration backpack. Always bring more than enough water!

A NECK GAITER or Buff helps prevent the helmet strap from chafing and keeps your chin warm on chilly mornings or during cold days.

BIKE SETUP

Tank Bag – This is a great place to carry your daily essentials

Tail bag – Small and soft for what you need access to each day. Ensure you have adequate good quality straps to secure luggage. You don’t want to lose it or have it end up in your back wheel or exhaust

Headlight protector

Alloy Bash guard (sump guard)

Hand guards (with the metal spine – the plastic ones will buckle under the simplest fall and you’ll damage or snap your levers)

Radiator protection / oil cooler protection on air cooled models

Foam air filter kit and / or foam pre filter socks only

Valve cover protectors for boxer engines

Off road footpegs (wide)

Enduro Brake pedal (flip down style)

Knobby tyres 50/50

Heavy duty tubes (tube models)

Handlebar risers (for tall riders where the bars are too low when standing. Excessive risers are to be avoided, 10-20mm is usually adequate)

ITEMS TO CARRY WITH YOU EACH DAY

WATER AND FOOD!! Bring more than enough food and water to get you through the day and any emergency situation you may encounter during a ride/adventure

Visor cleaning kit, a soft microfibre cloth works well

Sunscreen

Ear plugs

Cap / hat

Sunglasses

Lip balm – sun and wind protection

Head torch

Charging cables – phone, camera

Water poof liners if they are not already in your gear.

Spare tubes / tyre plugs / O2 bottles

Spare levers, brake pads

Tool kit – just enough to get you out of trouble

Leatherman / pocketknife

• It’s a good idea to carry spare socks, shorts, t-shirt and light shoes, just in case!

YOUR OVERNIGHT BAG – CLOTHING AND OTHER ESSENTIALS

• Shorts and t-shirts / shirts

• Jeans / pants

• Pullover / polar fleece (light weight easy dry)

• Socks and underwear

• Comfortable shoes – used at the end of the day

• Toiletries

our benefits

What do I get out of becoming a member?

Like everything in life, you get out of it what you’re prepared to put in!

The club is a not for profit association and all monies raised go to the running of the club and member resources.

As the club is developing, we want members to be actively involved in the running and organising of the club. We welcome members to organise ride days and events, offer up ideas and views on what will make the club a great club.

The committee will offer around 12 club sanctioned rides per year (subject to covid 19 restrictions). Rides will be organised with lead and sweep riders with access to first aid and communication equipment. Members will have access to club equipment for personal use, if not conflicting with club activities.

Ride practice days are in place for beginners and newbies. You will also have the opportunity to mix with a great bunch to share your stories and experiences with.

We are developing an adventure motorcycle community, and we want you to be a part of it!

Come Ride with Us!

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