OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum

[Dino]

Far North Quad Riders are hosting this Charity event.
More details as they come to hand.

https://www.facebook.com/BunyipRidingForAReason

"A social charity ride looping from Birdsville. about the last week of Sept.2013.

Description
The key objectives of the event are to:

• Promote Far North Quad Riders as the premier quad riding and safety management club in Australia;
• Positively raise the profile and educate the public with regards to quad bikes and side by side vehicles;
• Create a fun ...and engaging event; and
• Raise funds for Charity.

The event is to be staged in the last week of September 2013 to coincide with school holidays and suitable weather conditions (specific dates yet to be confirmed).
The ride will involve a loop of between 300 and 500km, starting and finishing at Birdsville and traversing the eastern Simpson Desert. The actual route will be subject to conditions and will be determined after an on-site evaluation with local authorities by FNQR at least 3 months prior to the event. It is anticipated that the event will involve 2 to 3 nights camping in the desert.

Only quad bikes, side by side vehicles and genuine 4WD support vehicles will be permitted to take part in the ride.

This is NOT a race, rally, navigation or serious competitive event.
This is a charity ride under normal road and National Parks rules.

It is open to friends, families, OS visitors, businesses..
Teams will be composed of one 4WD vehicle as support and one ORV ( minimum, more if you want. ), Team members are encouraged to interchange roles.
Preliminary costing suggests about a $500 per vehice entry fee, this does not include fuel food etc.

All Profits to Charity.
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Dino]

A lot of the details are on the facebook page. But for those not so involved in the ethernet world.........

A vehicle charge of $500 per vehicle is the entrance charge for this event and that covers SA Desert Parks Pass, and national standard quad training and riding accreditation.

Fuel, food camping gear, etc is not included.

All vehicles must be registered.
Fully registered vehicles are easy.
Vehicles with recreational rego or conditional rego will be operating under the permit for the event.
South Australia has a special events registration available for car clubs and the like, so any vehicles that are currently unregistered, can obtain a CTP coverage and provide that coverage with their application fee to SA Transport and recieve a permit for the event. It works like the conditional rego/rec rego scheme, but is for the event only.

This is NOT a race, navigation event or rally. It is run under public roads and National Parks rules. Most of the desert is a 30km/h limit.

The actual route will be a loop out of Birdsville, south along the Birdsville track and west into the desert. Along a a variety of established 4wd tracks
passing through Poepells Corner and back to Birdsville along the QAA line and French Track. It is the last section that will be the deserts biggest dunes with several over 30m tall.
It's not a difficult track as far as what our vehicles are capable of, and we'll be having it a lot easier than the 4wd support vehicles.
We're anticipating about 500km with 3 days riding and 2 nights out in the desert.
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Dino]

MEDIA RELEASE
BUNYIP: RIDING FOR A REASON

CHARITY QUAD BIKE RIDE. BIRDSVILLE, QLD.

To whom it may concern,

The FNQuadriders Incorporated are a progressive quad riding club that promotes the safe and responsible use of quad bikes for recreation and the support of government agencies during and following natural disasters.

The FNQuadriders Incorporated, while based in Far North Queensland, have a wide membership base.
Some of members watched an Australian located and produced movie called The Ride Movie.
This link is for the trailer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jizO1Q8k-hk&list=HL1365127302&feature=mh_lolz

It inspired them to organise this event.

WHEN
During September/October of this year (2013) some of our members are planning this special ride.

WHERE from Birdsville, to the south and turning west into the desert, via South Australia, Poepells Corner, the Northern Territory and returning via the QAA line, and "Big Red", back to Birdsville.
A round trip of approximately 500 Km and will take around 2 - 3 days to complete.

The location , and timing of this event is to make this as central and family friendly as possible to many Australians.
This coincides with school holidays for many.

CHARITY
This ride, will be done in the our club members own time but it is planned to do the ride for the benefit of the iconic Australian charity, the Royal Flying Doctor Service
( http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/about-us/our-bases/OB-QS/ )
Our letter of Authority is available.


RAPID RESPONSE DESERT RESCUE VEHICLE
In addition to fund raising for the RFDS, we will also be assisting in the provision of a vehicle to the Birdsville SES to facilitate their response times and triage to vehicle incidents in the Simpson Desert. It is hoped to formally present this vehicle to them for this event.

WHO CAN ENTER
This ride is open to families, groups, corporate bodies, clubs and, well, anyone breathing!
Because of the sort of vehicles we will be using, this will provide a variety of platforms for people of all ages, and physical conditions to participate, in safety.
For example, children of all ages can be carried in the various buggy style vehicles in safety, as can the elderly or physically impaired can participate as passengers.


WHAT VEHICLES CAN THEY USE
This ride is open to only quad bikes, trikes, Side by Side (buggy), collectively called Off Road vehicles, and 4wd vehicles as support vehicles.
All vehicles will require valid registration. Non complying vehicles conditional registration permits are available for this event via S.A. Main Roads.
Please note that this event is to be run under normal road and National Parks legislation.
It IS NOT a race, rally or gymkhana style event.


THE FORMAT
Is of a team basis, and entry fees are based on a per vehicle basis.
A team may have any number of members but must consist of a minimum of one Off Road Vehicle, and one 4wd support vehicle.*
Thus we can have a wide number of participants sharing the costs and this unique experience.
An entry fee of $500 per vehicle will cover the needed temporary club membership, training for the riding of quad bikes to the current national accreditation, and the Desert Parks Entry fee.
This fee is exclusive of fuel, camping equipment and any special vehicle registration fees.
We will be encouraging rider and driver interchange to share the experience.


We have established a Facebook page for this event and have already received wide spread support while proceeding with the significant logistics for this event. Link Below.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/BunyipRidingForAReason


*As a result of an extensive safety evaluation, and the distance and the type of terrain to be traversed, sufficient fuel, camping equipment and supplies will need to be carried separately for many of the Off Road Vehicles.


Sponsorship
Is currently being negotiated.
Apart from donations, both in goods and monetary, we are seeking major sponsorship for the SES Birdville vehicle and funding for a short documentary production and a variety of info-commercials relating to not just products but correct riding practises.
This will be in the form of a DVD for resale and further contributions to the RFDS and advertising supported You Tube style short videos respectively.
We are anticipating some major sponsorship announcements shortly for a professional camera and editorial crew for the purpose of producing these high quality videos of both the short “info-mercials� and the DVD.
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[KFXMICK]

How do we enter and what are the dates?

We have a team of 4 riders just not sure what the next step is?

[Dino]

We are waiting on the wheels of beaurocracy.
As soon as they turn a bit more, we will be releasing the entrance documents.
As we've a huge amount of interest in this event, and only 50 vehicle permits, could you let us know now?
This will help us get things together.

So far we have a rolling tally of 12 vehicles.
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Dino]

The below is just the leading paperwork for this event.
About 97 more pages for the authority to happen......
Emergency Response, Risk Management and Communications.
Due consideration, with experienced desert travelers, combined with our experience with adventure riding and safety resulted in an extensive appraisal.
Key points considered:
• The length of the actual route.
• The extent of experience many riders/participants would have.
• Other parks users.
• Regulatory requirements.
• Climatic conditions.
• Track conditions.
• Rider fitness.
• Safe carrying capacity of vehicles.
• Vehicle condition.
• Inter vehicle/convoy communications.
• Ist Aid and outside communications/medevac.
• Environmental impact.
• Selection of route.(4)
The most practical way to conduct this undertaking is to travel the vehicles under convoy(3) utilizing the Diamantina SES (Birdsville) with lead, sweep and tail end vehicles and using a team(2) format, and providing upfront advanced training with field assessment and full vehicular scrutineering.(1)

To provide a sequential overview:
(1) As well as organising and running this event, the Fn Quadriders will also be undertaking the compulsory safety training for riding quad bikes for all riding/driving entrants.
This is in excess of the national and Current standard of accreditation.
This training will be tailored to individual requirements and involve all aspects of the safe operation of a quad bike.
Whether total novice or experienced rider, this will cater for your needs. The actual practical assessment will be carried out en route, after basic requirements (admin/paperwork and introduction and basics) prior to departure. A certificate of competancy comes with responsibility, and the club feels that people undertaking this event can do so responsibly. With a little help and guidance for those new to this type of thing from our experienced team.
Enclosed footwear, correctly fitting helmets and suitable eye protection are just part of the personal protection equipment that will be required. Don't forget it, because the nearest supplier is a long way away.
They will also be scrutineering entered vehicles to assess their suitability to complete the task at hand. Make sure your ride is serviced and ready to go. This will be also checked!
(2)
The team format is the most functional way to sub manage the groups.
One 4wd vehicle as support vehicle to the crew of at least one off road vehicle(ORV), whether quad bike, trike or a side by side buggy or utliity vehicle is the minimum number of machines PER TEAM.
So, a team could be:
Mum & Dad can taking turns driving the support vehicle and the ORV as an example.
Another example is some mates might have two good quads and a decent ute between them....
Entrance fees are based PER VEHICLE, not per person. All proceeds to the RFDS charity.
This makes it an affordable adventure ride for charity for everyone.
Note that team leaders are responsible for their team, and communicating within the convoy. All 4wd` support vehicles will require a UHF Radio. Visual contact must be maintained between every vehicle for and aft where possible. In the event of dust being an issue, we will fall back to the corner man system described below;
http://fnquadriders.com.au/safety/corner-man%20system-1.pd
Also note that we will be encouraging driver/rider interchange within teams to not only share the experience but manage fatigue.
(3) CONVOY.
This tried and proven method is the best scenario control of negotiating a larger group of vehicles through an area. As well as providing inter vehicle support, it minimizes disruption to other users while simultaneously providing traffic control measures.
It is envisaged the ceiling of 50 vehicles will be met and we anticipate breaking the convoy in two or possibly three convoys to better manage the limited numbers.
Lead and tail end vehicles will be carrying signage indicating Quads Ahead on the roof tops. This signage is to be black writing, 300mm high, on a yellow background. Hi vis flags are to be carried on all vehicles, with lead, tail and sweep vehicles also carrying hi vis pennants a minimum of 4 metres above ground level. These vehicles will also just be some that will carrying the porta potties
As stated, Birdsville SES will be part of this convoy, with two vehicles. Their existing response 4wd Hilux as well as their long awaited Rapid Response Desert Rescue* vehicle. These vehicles will carry the external communications ( VHF Radio and Satellite phones), as well as the trained and locally experienced first responders.
*This is also as a result of our clubs involvement.

All participants are encouraged to pick up and carry out any rubbish they find. Larger objects will be logged for future reference.
While trailers are not encouraged, a limited number of suitable trailers behind suitable tow vehicles will be viewed favorably in the event of a un-repairable break down and rubbish removal.

(4) The Route:
The route chosen is subject to final ratification and local knowledge and conditions. Key requirements are:
• Graduated to start easy and finish with vehicle fuel loads lightened while still providing an adequate fuel safety margin.
• Be not technically challenging until experience is gained in local conditions.
• Provide suitable lay over areas for rest stops, briefings, and overnight camps.
• Provide the most pleasant and varied scenery.
•
We anticipate heading South out of Birdsville along the inner track, turning northwest onto the Rig Road and heading towards the Knolls. Then East along the WAA line to Poepells Corner. Thence along the convention route onto the QAA line returning to Birdsville.

Should anyone have any queries or suggestions, please feel free to contact us promptly.
Rolling tally is now 20 + vehicles.
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Scooter]

Hi
We have been involved in crossing the Simpson on quads several times both from Birdsville and from Mt Dare.

I would suggest to you to enforce the following rules

1. Stay on the track

2. Know there is a 40 km speed limit in the desert
(Pete and I found that out)

It is a great trip you are planning and will be an adventure for all taking part.
Remember there are a group of people out there called the Friends of the Simpson and they report direct to the rangers at desert parks with any slight infringement and take photographic evidence of track deviations.
_________________
Thanks to
Polaris Australia
47 Industries
Team Bullet
ScootAround (Marco)

[Dino]

The Ride Dates:
We would like to start the actual ride on Thursday 26th September @ Birdsville and conclude it on Saturday 28th September at the same location.
So you can catch up on the grand finals!
The Wednesday (25/9)will be the training day/participant registration and briefing. Also the day we'll be doing the scrutineering.
This will give many the time to pack and enjoy the road trip out and back.
Yes, this is geared to the eastern state school holidays. The other states are starting and finishing a week later. As most respondants are from the eastern states, this is the way we've gone.
By way of reference, Monday Oct 7 is a holiday for most and the week about 8 days after we drive past the Birdsville pub on the way OUT.

Thanks Scooter for the above. Best behaviour advised.
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Dino]

The route has been recce'd!
Six, one four km in total.(614km...)
Starting and finishing in Birdsville.
Three days of very varied riding.
Some of the "road" sections are very corrugated, dusty and rough.
Dunes, salt flats, wooded sections, stoney desert and claypans from mild to "hold my beer" type stuff.
Winding sand burms, washed out "dirt" tracks, and epic scenery.
Camp sites are excellent.
Fires permitted.
Permits are sorted.

Book NOW! Positions are filling fast.....

Pre ride, we are having a ( very nice) meal together at the bakery.
Post ride, drinks at the pub.
And your road trip will be a lifetime experience.

http://s898.photobucket.com/user/next2u/slideshow/Bunyip
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Dino]

Compulsory Vehicle Minimum Equipment Requirements.
• ALL vehicles to be as clean as practical prior to undertaking event. Note that vehicle washing facilities exist in Birdsville.
• All vehicles to be free of fluid leaks.
• All vehicles to be in good mechanical and road worthy condition.
• All vehicles to be registered and have CTP Insurance.
• All vehicle loads to be secured and within rated operating capacities for off highway use.
• All vehicles to have sand flags/pennants for the desert legs.
• All vehicles will be subject to scrutineering prior to leaving Birdsville.
• All riders/drivers must be licensed. Car license minimum.
• Trike riders require a motorcycle license.

4 WHEEL DRIVES SPECIFIC Minimum Equipment Requirements.
• Fire extinguisher suitable for general, fuel & electrical fires. (A.B. E classes)
• 1st Aid Kit.
• Front and Rear Recovery points.
• Snatch Strap (Capacity to double vehicles Mass.) with rated shackles to suit.
• UHF Radio. (40 channel OK. 5 watt handheld OK.)

Quad Bikes/Utv/Trikes/Side by Sides Vehicles (collectively referred to as Off Highway Vehicles) Minimum Equipment Requirements.
• That the riders/drivers shall wear road legal helmets, sturdy enclosed footwear and gloves whilst operating.
• Seat belts must be worn in side by side vehicles or Utv.
• Mandatory additional protective equipment shall be long sleeved pants and shirts and protective eye wear.
• Passengers only to be carried where the OHV is designed to carry a passenger, and that such road/track condition exist to suit safe carrying of same and the passenger is of suitable mass and physical condition for the OHV intended.

Trailer Restrictions and Requirements.
• While trailers are not encouraged, a limited number of suitable trailers behind suitable tow vehicles will be viewed favorably in the event of an un-repairable break down and rubbish removal, as well as the safe carrying of fuel. This is also part of the waste management plan.
Safety of members of the public, our entrants and our management crew is paramount.
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[donk]

am I correct in thinking that every rider has to have there own support crew. I would love to do this but I am light on for support. is there anyone offering support in exchange for $. also how much of the trip will be at low speed ie the 30-40klm desert limit cheers
_________________
It's not a lie, It's a controlled release of information!

[Dino]

donk wrote:

am I correct in thinking that every rider has to have there own support crew. I would love to do this but I am light on for support. is there anyone offering support in exchange for $. also how much of the trip will be at low speed ie the 30-40klm desert limit cheers

No Donk. Your thinking is incorrect.

The idea of a team is not in the normal context of sports or competition...
It's about working together so we can all enjoy it.
620km in those conditions is a stretch as far as carrying supplies and camping equipment for lone quads,even buggies, so a team in this context simply means having someone in a support vehicle carry your goodies for you.
The second day's travel is all in the Desert Reserve area, and about 1/2 of the third day. The rest is public access roads and tracks.

The emphasis is driving/riding to conditions, and having just recc'd the route, I can honestly say that it will offer something to everyone along different stages.
Staying on the track and riding/driving appropriately, is a condition of entry, and applies to all visitors to this area. It also has much about not giving the whingers something to "report".
As mentioned earlier, a group called " friends of the Simpson" make it mission to dob in people.
The local Aboriginals told me:
"We used ter hide behind a waddi tree with a woomera to hunt tucker...
Those bastards hide behind bloody big Nikon cameras and have a direct line to the Minister........."

Pm me your no. and I'll see what we can do for you.
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Dino]

Oh yeah, it took 19 and a 1/2 engine hours to do the recce.
I was travelling light, and not hanging around............
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[BB260]

Anyone from the Sydney area going or considering going ?
Please PM me.

[Dino]

Mods are a bit slow atm.
reposted for a Sydney based rider:

BB260 has posted a new reply to "Bunyip. Riding for a Reason. CHARITY SIMPSON DESERT RIDE" in the "Events" forum at OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum.
-----------------------------------------------
Posted text:
Anyone from the Sydney area going or considering going ?
Please PM me.
-----------------------------------------------
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Dino]

http://www.ozatv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21617
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Dino]

Sadly, we have had to postpone our event this year.
It is not a decision made lightly.
Forecast weather conditions created an unacceptable risk to our entrants at this time.
Without all the technical talk, there is something about the possibility of getting caught in the open with 20 litres of petrol between your knees during a Spinifex fire in gusty conditions that just doesn't feel, uhm, comfortable.
All authorities, entrants and associated relevant people have been advised well in advance of this announcement.
This decision is the responsible course of action.
We are now locked in for April next year.
Specific dates to be advised but somewhere around the 12th has been suggested.
Same route. Same format.
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Dino]

Next years event calender is going to be full on.
And that is great news.
Not with standing the remission of the Thumb Pump for 2014,
A huge line up of enduros, trail rides, MX, Cape York Adventures, Kamfari, Finke, Condo and the Australian Safari is coming up for 2014.

And so is the Bunyip 620km trail ride for charity.
Starting and finishing at Birdsville, this has riding for everyone.

!0th April is the orientation day with the actual ride the following 3 days.

Link

_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Dino]

5 days to Dakar highlights on SBS,
100 days to go to BUNYIP 2014.
We've picked up a major sponsor.
Happy New Year!
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Grumpy]

Very tempted...........
_________________
Cheers

Grumpy

[Dino]

We are 90 days out from starting this event.
It will be time to get out there before you know it!

Over the next few days we will be releasing info packs covering the route, vehicle requirements, PPE requirements and other such important snippets as local facilities.

It is a lot of information to take in.
Our entrants would best be prepared BEFORE they leave home.
Any questions, feel free to ask because that is way better than assuming!

Ask here, PM the admins or email us at
recreg2011@hotmail.com or
bunyip.charity.quad.ride@gmail.com
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Dino]

This sort of dedication is the reason we are riding.
http://www.emergency.qld.gov.au/news/view.asp?id=10544
The Daimantina Shire fund the equipment for the the local SES.
It is them that will be the recipient for this years charity ride, being
hosted by the Far North Quad Riders Inc.
It is selfless volunteers like local Team leader, Kylie Scott Shorten,
who make the several hours drive to help the various tourists and occasional locals who end up in a life threatening predicament.
Those who attend, will be riding with Kylie and some of her crew.

To give you an idea of the response times we are trying to improve on:
To get cover the "simple" 160km to Poepells Corner, is about a 6 to 8 hour drive for conventional 4wd's from when they leave Birdsville.
And that is after they get a call for help!

They get about 40 call outs a year, normally in the 6 months tourist season.
And a third of all call outs, are in the desert tracks.
Even if you can't attend, any donations to help we be utilised for the local front line EMS, which is NOT sponsored by any business, State or Federal Government.

The 600 locals ratepayers, who is the entire population of a council shire that is bigger than Tasmania, are also helping the 60 thousand plus tourists annually.

So, as quad rider, or Side by Side driver, or Trike rider, or 4wd driver, you can do some real good by simply slinging a even $10 to this cause.
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Dino]

http://i.imgur.com/yOafY3O.png[url]
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Dino]

We'll be officially open for nominations/entries next week.
Please email recreg2011@hotmail.com for your entry forms.
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[Dino]

Hi All. We are open for bookings!

Whether you are from interstate, a local or another Qlder, this is the the ride that is on the bucket list of quad riders, buggy drivers or 4WDers all over.

Read the about^ of this page for the short version of an epic and safe adventure. And for a great cause!

Email recreg2011@hotmail.com for your application form.

Those previously booked from last year will get sent out the new application form for admin purposes.
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.