Annual Fraser Island Trek - 2nd - 5th May 2008
Our Annual Fraser Island ride has come and gone for another year. This was the eighth year we have ventured around the sandy island with a group of 30 keen jet-skiers and 4WD drivers. The weekend started with a drive to Rainbow Beach Friday night, where we told tales of previous Fraser trips and prepared skis, trailers and cars for the journey up the beach. The Saturday morning tides, unlike previous years, allowed us a more relaxed start to the day as our nine 4WD support vehicles and trailers made their way to the barges. The skiers left behind started preparing for the 140 km trip to Kingfisher Bay where we enjoyed a relaxing break and morning tea, then onto Wathumba Creek to meet our 4WD support crews. The conditions were perfect as we skied on glassy waters up the inside of the Island exploring numerous creeks along the way. With Wathumba Creek insight the race was on to see who would be first there however, we soon discovered that with the recent storms, the creeks entrance had changed and depended on a medium to high tide to access it. With a dead low tide, every entrance point was too shallow although three keen group members decided to attempt a high speed run into deeper water, unfortunately they all ran aground and were severely sand banked. We were left with no choice but to wait for the tide to come back in. It took a good two hours for a minimum of thirty centimeters of water to come in and after some sort of channel was sighted, skiers were off to meet the support crews and a cold drink.
Our delayed entrance into Wathumba Creek forced us to keep our refueling stop very short and we continued our journey shortly after so that we would not run out of daylight. The next leg of our journey took us eighty kilometers around the top of Fraser Island past Sandy Cape and down the outside of the island. The conditions coming around the Cape were good with no wind, rolling swells and very little shore break making for a fabulous ride down the island to the 4WD’s waiting at Orchid Beach. Arriving at the beach, support crews were in full force as they loaded up riders and jet skis and delivered them to the arranged storage yard and exhausted riders slowly made their way to their designated houses. That Saturday night was reasonably low key for most, with dinner, drinks and some serious games of celebrity heads and charades providing lots of laughs and entertainment. Sunday was a day spent at leisure, with some groups skiing throughout the day, others 4 wheel driving, swimming, fishing or just relaxing and taking in the spectacular views. Ian, David and Jason filmed a group of 2 m sharks chasing fish in the shore break, scary how shallow the water was where they were swimming!!! Sunday night saw everyone gathering at “The Blue House” for a party and awards night, where stories were swapped and new trekkers nervously anticipated the tough day ahead.
The sun shone brightly on the final day of our trek, and from our veranda, surf conditions looked very smooth and calm, which I was very thankful for as it was my first time riding in the shore break. We made our way down to the beach after packing and cleaning out the houses, only to find that the winds had picked up and the surf was not as calm as we thought. By 9am both jet skis and 4WD’s were ready to travel the 120klms down the outside of the island back to Inskip Point. I found the ride extremely challenging, however managed to follow the lead of both Ross and Ian McClenaghan to make it safely to each rest point. We regrouped a number of times down the island, and it was great to rest briefly and grab a drink to rehydrate. Conditions were not as challenging as other years have been, although 120 km is a hard ride particularly in constant shore break. Four hours later we made it back to the barges. As the 4 wheel drives and trailers were loaded onto the Manta Ray barge, the skis kept up a long tradition of racing back to the boat ramp, age is no deterrent as the group avoided sand banks and tried to find the fastest route back to Carlo Boat Ramp. Gear was redistributed, skis and cars hosed off, good byes were said, plans were made for 2009, and our annual Fraser Island Trek was over for another year.
-Natalie Geurts
Round Bribie Island – 6th of April 2008
Our April 6th round Bribie Island ride was unfortunately changed on the day to a run up the Pumicestone Passage and back. We surely are due for some good weather as our last few ride days the weather has been very ordinary. We set off from the V.M.R. boat ramp and enjoyed a good ride up to Caloundra. There was a mix of riding skills which combined well on the ride. As we arrived at the tip of Bribie for a break, the weather closed in and steady rain annoyed everyone. Most skiers ventured out through the bar, played in the swells and jumped some waves. Peter Spiller lived up to his name and lost his bandana and glasses after a fall. I also got some serious air, and almost came to grief but managed to hang on, bumping my head and hurting my knee, but it was all part of the fun. On the return trip we went for a great run up Bells Creek, before heading back to Bribie. Chris Green had a close call of the wooden kind after riding a little too close to the shoreline. Rough swells and steady rain dampened the return trip, but the usual yarns were told over a snag and a soft drink as the weather gave us a reprieve. Dolphins entertained us along the shoreline as we enjoyed the barby. Thanks to everyone for coming along and enjoying the day with us.
-Troy Young
Cabbage Tree Point Rally – 9th of March 2008
On Sunday the 9th of March, keen riders met at Cabbage Tree Point boat ramp ready to begin the competitive rally around the neighbouring islands. Although starting off sunny and warm, conditions soon shifted to cloudy and windy, however teams were not detered from the event. Each team soon set off at staggered intervals to search for clues. All was going smoothly until we were faced with torrential rain, which blurred all vision and destroyed our question sheet and maps. Katie and I tried to piece our answers/directions back into readable sections, however were forced to join teams with Troy and Lachlan Young who were also facing the same problem. Together we managed to work out which direction we needed to go to continue the rally. As we continued, it soon became clear that neither of us knew what clue or direction was coming next, so getting back to the boat ramp soon became our prime objective. We followed the channel around Russell Island and made it back to the main channel that took us on a very rough,wet and slightly depressing trip back to the boat ramp. Being the 2nd last team back and over an hour late… we were greeted with laughter and NO warm waiting BBQ! However all in all, it was an … eventful day to say the least, one that we could laugh about later at the Normanby.
-Natalie Geurts
Mid-week Jacobs Well Run – 20th of Febuary 2008
After an extreme weather forcast, our numbers for the Jacobs Well run dwindled from 16 to 6. Fortunately the 90 km winds did not eventuate and all we experienced was a little bit of rain at the start of the ride. We had a huge king tide, providing us with plenty of water. Although the winds were still 25 knots we were able to stay out of the rough open water. One of the best things about riding midweek is that there are very few people on the water. We worked our way down to Sanctuary Cove, past Mick Doohan’s place…… We then headed across to “The Deck” near Tipplers, where we enjoyed a hot breakfast. Our run then took us north to Jumpingpin, but it was too rough to venture out into the surf, so we headed back to the boat ramp. Everyone enjoyed the faster pace of the ride, and our next midweek ride in April will be a similar format.
-Ross Geurts
Wellington Point to Tangalooma – 10th of February 2008
Our February 10 we set off from Wellington Point boat ramp for our ride over to Moreton Island. The forecast was for 10 to 15 knots which should have provided reasonably pleasant riding conditions. Unfortunately it was blowing 20 knots before we left, but we figured if we went the long way and hugged Stradbroke Island we would stay in reasonably protected water. No Way! It was very rough on the first leg from Wellington Point and conditions improved in only brief patches throughout the ride. Unfortunately it
ended up taking over two hours to get to Tangalooma, and the weather had continued to deteriorate. We could only stay on Moreton for half an hour before heading back across the Bay. This time however we just straight lined it back to Wellington Point, not only were we back in under an hour, but the conditions were much better. Not what you would call a pleasant day on the water, but it was certainly a challenging ride for all, particularly Adrian and co., and a number of other new owners, who certainly managed well in their “trial by fire”. Stairs and even walking in general were avoided for the next few days, and due to the cool and overcast conditions, and general difficulty keeping any suncream on due to the wishy washy conditions, there were some serious cases of sunburn endured as well. We all had stories to tell over a sausage and cold drink, it never seems quite so bad when you’re safely back on shore!!!!!
-Di Geurts
Christmas Toy Run Appeal – 16th of December 2007
Our final ride for 2007 was our Christmas Toy Run Appeal, where riders brought a Christmas gift on the day to be donated to a local Bribie Island Foundation, Happiness House, who run a respite camp for disabled and disadvantaged kids at Woorim on Bribie. The day was a great success with a turn out of approx. 20 skis who completed a short rally raising awareness of local issues and ended with our traditional BBQ. Thanks to all who donated toys, and a special thanks to those who could not make the ride but couriered the toys over to us for the day, they were greatly appreciated by Happiness House.
-Natalie Geurts
Somerset Dam Gymkana Day – 11th of Novemeber 2007
Our annual Somerset Dam Gymkana day was held on the 11th of November. This years event was sponsored by BRP SEADOO and saw our biggest turn out yet with 30-40 jet skis and up to 100 people. With a part of the dam sectioned off for our use, it gave everyone a great opportunity to test their skills on the slalom course and on-water basketball which is always good for a laugh. Especially when competitors are trying so hard to score, they fall off or capsize their skis, like Katie and myself and Darryl and John Nissan. This year we also had Blake, from Surf Wind and Fire, providing keen tubers and water-skiers with sample products to test on the dam. The ‘expert tuber’ even found time to have a go, however soon realised that he was not as good as he thought he was!
The barbie was working overtime, thanks to Darryl and Lisa, and all in all it was another great day at Somerset Dam. The dam is now at 60% and is a great place to jet ski, water-ski and swim. Thank you to Julian from Bombardier Recreational Products for making himself available to answer questions on the day. We will be heading back to Somerset later in the year for our 2008 Gymkana Day. We hope to see you there.
-Natalie Geurts
The Cabbage Tree Rally – 26th of August 2007
The Cabbage Tree Rally kicked off Sunday the 26th of August to a beautiful sunny day. The turnout was not as good as previous years, however that was to be expected after the cold, wet and windy weather we had been experiencing. As teams set off at staggered intervals, the rally began! Teams ventured from clue to clue frantically recording answers and trying to navigate through the area. Sam and I soon caught up to our earlier competitors who were still struggling with some early clues. It was at this point where each teams competitiveness was revealed and dirty tactics were practiced. Those of you who are familiar with Barry Stronach, don’t be deceived! We had caught up to his team on Cobby Cobby Island beach after passing his team mate Steve who had beached himself on a sand bank. Sam, who had worked out the relevant answer, was running back to the ski when she was intercepted by Barry who, after realizing what the answer was proceeded to run to our ski, take our jet ski key and run back to the Island to hide it, whilst calling to his team to start the ski and be ready to leave. Nice one Barry!
Dirty tactics aside, all competitors made it safely back to the boat ramp, however we did have our concerns about Doug and Karen Stuart, who were gone for a good 3-4 hours and after Ross rode back out to see if they were lost – Karen explained that Doug insisted on doing the course backwards, which no doubt caused some tension. Well done to all participants for helping to make it another great day on the water.
-Natalie Geurts |
