Breaking News
Team Australia second in 2023 ISDE
13 November 2023
Motorcycling Australia press release:
After a brutal week of competition, Team Australia – Jess Gardiner, Tayla Jones and Danielle McDonald – has finished second in the Women’s World Trophy at the 2023 International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in Argentina, which ran from November 6-11.
Held in searing heat and with a high rate of attrition – as well as an insatiable appetite for cold water and ice – the MXstore-backed Aussies kept America in their sights until the halfway mark before ISDE stalwart Jones (Husqvarna) was cruelly forced out of proceedings after dislocating her right shoulder in a crash late on day three.
The subsequent maximum time penalties accrued by Jones on the final three days, along with America maintaining its full roster, saw Australia lose contact and then fall into the sights of the FIM Latin America team.
However, with Latin America also losing a rider at the same time as 16-year-old rookie sensation McDonald (Yamaha) really started to hit her straps – easily winning day five and then pushing American firebrand Brandy Richards (KTM) all the way in a pulsating final motocross test – Australia easily held onto second position.
After six days of competition, Australia was nearly seven hours behind America – Richards joined by Korie Steele (KTM) and Rachel Gutish (GasGas) – with Latin America a further four hours behind.
2023 ISDE (Argentina) results
2024 VERi event calendar announced
30 October 2023
The VERi committee has been working on this for a while, and we are pleased to announce our event dates for next year.
March 23-24: The Pines Vinduro (via Goughs Bay)
May 4-5: Won Wron Vinduro
May 25-26: Mere Farm Vinduro (via Blackwood)
June 22-23: Ross Creek Vinduro
July 27-28: Harrow Vinduro
September 14-15: Greendale Vinduro
October 26-27: Broadford Vinduro/EOY Event
It wouldn't be a VERi calendar without the perennial old favourite Harrow. Ross Creek has proved a popular location, and it's earned its third incarnation. Won Wron offers a variety of terrain not seen at any other VERi events, and with two full courses on both days arguably offers our best riding experience. Greendale was a smashing success this year and will be warmly welcomed back in '24. The Pines is a completely new event for the club and we're sure you'll love it. Mere Farm will be familiar to many who took part in the A3VE, but we're taking it further this time. We'll finish up with a relaxed event at Broadford where you can ride your unregistered bikes and get into some serious end-of-year bench racing.
More details about all of these events will be published in due course.
Unforeseen stuff happens, so it goes without saying that events and dates above are subject to change.
2023 has been another great year for VERi, and the committee is sure that 2024 will be too!
Online entry for Greendale Vinduro has closed
18 October 2023
It's the last VERi event for 2023, your mates have put their entries in, the tracks are looking great... Why would you miss it?
Online entry for the Greendale Vinduro has now closed. You can still enter at the event, $20 late fee applies.
See you there!
VERi needs YOU (at Greendale)
10 October 2023
We need 6 volunteers to man 2 checkpoints and the start line at the upcoming Greendale Vinduro on Sunday 22 October.
While the crew putting up arrows is sorted we will need a train of riders to pull them DOWN after the event.
Please get in touch if you can help us out.
A couple of reminders about the event:
- Special test track at Burgin property is only open on Saturday. The full 36km course is on Sunday (cold start, 3 per minute).
- Bikes must be placed in impound (parc ferme) on Saturday night
Get your entry in if you haven't done so already!
Important update: No catering at Broadford Vinduro
15 September 2023
Due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be NO CATERING at the Broadford Vinduro this weekend.
So, BYO food, water and drinks!
The good news is that the course condition is fantastic.
Get your entry in for the 2023 Broadford Vinduro
5 September 2023
Don't forget to submit your online entry for our next event - The Broadford Vinduro on Sunday 17 September. It will be held at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex - 260 Strath Creek Road, Broadford, Victoria.
Club Secretary Peter Drakeford posted this event update on Facebook today (5 Sep):
The course will run up into the hills to the east of the complex and is used only 4 times a year; as it?s a noise buffer zone.
It has been used for an AORC years ago and several Broadford Bike Bonanzas but is virtually virgin ground.
It'll be between 5-10km and we may dip into the old Channel O track but we won't be using the MX track.
The camping under the trees and the dam at the speedway track is sweet and the hot showers and cool toilets are a bonus.
Full canteen is available Sunday too.
No licence needed either.
This is a great opportunity to test out your project bikes to see if they are worth getting registered, or just fang an old banger - so long as you run a headlight and taillight- even if they don't work.
The usual mechanical scrutineering, boots and helmet applies though and let's get a bit stricter about parking your bikes in the Parc Ferme overnight guys for the cold start on Sunday.
Also, the weather is projected to be glorious.
So, what are you waiting for? Online entry closes midnight Sunday 10 September.
You can enter at the event, but a late fee applies.
More details and online entry form are available on this very website!
Online entry now open for Broadford Vinduro
25 August 2023
The Broadford Vinduro is the penultimate event on the 2023 VERi calendar.
It will be held at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex in Broadford on Sunday 17 September.
Motorcycles don't need to be registered for this event.
Camping available at the venue on Saturday night (only)..
More details and online entry available right here!
Update from Ken Creighton after incident at Harrow Vinduro
1 August 2023
As some of our VERi family may have seen on Sunday an ambulance arrived on Sunday to take Ken to hospital.
Ken suffered chest pain while riding. He rode back to camp where the medical team and wonderful Stacey Heaney treated Ken for a suspected heart attack.
Ken was taken to hospital and is now resting at Ballarat hospital after a confirmed heart attack (stents required).
Ken's wife Angela would like to thank you all for the well wishes. Hopefully Ken will be released on Friday.
{Published with Ken's permission]
Hurry up Harrow!
26 July 2023
It's almost time...
- Volunteers and land owners are working hard to get things ready for the coming event.
- VERi thanks Goldacres, who have been supporting us for some time now. Check out the cool start/finish sign below!
- Make sure your bike is in good condition and ready to go. Helmet and boots also have to be presented at scrutineering.
- When you get to the event make sure you check in and get your rider sticker and other information first.
- Online entry has closed. You can enter at the event, $20 late fee applies.
- The AGM in the hall starts at 5pm sharp. It's open to paid-up VERI members only.
Online entries for 2023 Harrow Vinduro close soon
21 July 2023
Entries are steadily coming in, the Johnny Mullagh Reserve is (hopefully) drying out, now you just need to get your entry in!
Online entry closes this Sunday night (midnight to be precise). You can still enter at the event, but a late fee applies.
Don't delay! Enter now!
Sign up for the 2023 Harrow Vinduro!
4 July 2023
Online entry for the Harrow Vinduro on 29-30 July 2023 is now open. Check out the event details and link to the entry form.
The event is open to pre 1988 motorcycles that are registered (full/CPS/rec).
The event and course format will be very similar to last year, with a short track on Saturday, and longer loop on Sunday. More details will be published closer to the event.
By the way, if you want to ride with mates, please fill in the 'Team' field on the form. Just make sure you and your mates are all using the same team name.
As per usual the VERi club AGM will be held on the same weekend. We encourage all members to attend as there will be much to discuss. The annual election for VERi committee positions will also take place at the AGM.
Greendale replaces Bonnie Doon
29 June 2023
In the interests of providing the best possible experience for our last event of 2023, the VERi committee has decided to change the venue from Star Glen Lodge at Bonnie Doon, to a new location at Greendale (near Blackwood).
This location will be familiar to some as the site of the first special test on day one of the A3VE.
There'll be great riding, plenty of camping room and a pub nearby.
More details will be made available closer to the date (21-22 October).
We hope as many of you as possible will celebrate the end of a VERi good year at Greendale!
A note about the future of the A3VE
28 June 2023
At the riders briefing on Day Three of the 2021 A3VE it was announced that the VERi committee is having a rest from running the A3VE in 2022.
At the time we hoped that the event would become a regular feature on the vintage off-road calendar, with other clubs hosting the event.
While some ideas were floated and leads pursued, we now concede it is highly unlikely that the A3VE will be run again in the foreseeable future.
The club is very proud of what we achieved. We know that everyone who experienced this unique event in 2019/2021 has great memories and tall tales to tell.
Thanks to everyone who took part, and especially to all the volunteers that made the A3VE happen
VERi membership renewals due soon!
27 June 2023
VERi club membership is due by 30 June 2023, and can be paid directly into the VERi bank account.
You will find the account number and the membership form if you need it, right here on the VERi website.
The yearly membership fee is $50.
When depositing into the account please put your name, and member number (if you know it).
Please note that if you have a vehicle on the VicRoads classic permit scheme, your membership needs to be current for the permit to be valid.
Read a report on the 2008 Black Duck Vinduro
13 June 2023
Thanks to VERi member Alex who has sent us in a report he penned after the original Black Duck Vinduro in 2008. It was originally published on a Suzuki PE forum back in the day.
There are a couple of photos from the infamous gully as well.
It's a detailed account that will bring back memories for those who were there, and inspire would-be attendees of the upcoming 2023 edition.
The report can be found under the Tall Tales heading.
The Black Duck Vinduro is up next - enter now!
1 June 2023
Online entry is now open for the event on the VERi calendar - the Black Duck Vinduro at Campbelltown on 24-25 June 2023.
The course is the same as last year, roughly 28.5km. It will start from the same bush property as 2008 & 2022. The first 3km is freshly cut single trail. From there, the course takes riders along fairly well maintained bush tracks, then through a section that's been used for wood cutting and is a little more challenging. After that, it's more easy trails back to the start area with a short bit of the infamous gully thrown in.
There will also be riding for entrants available on the property on Saturday afternoon.
This is an easy ride suited to older bikes, so bring out those 1970s models.
Basic camping is available at the venue (BYO everything).
All bikes must be pre 1988 models, not too noisy and registered (full/rec/CPS). We don't accept unregistered vehicle permits.
More information and a link to online entry form is available now.
As always, if you can help out at the event, please get in touch.
Ross Creek Vinduro final update
26 May 2023
We're hope you're looking forward to a great weekend of riding.
Riders are welcome to start arriving from 8am on Saturday morning. When you arrive make sure that you see the ladies at the sign on tent before you do anything. They will provide all of the instructions you need.
If you're arriving Sunday morning get there early to ensure you get yourself organised before the riders briefing at 8.30am.
Saturday riders briefing is at 11.30am.
If you're camping, please be aware this is a BYO everything affair - it's literally a paddock and rented portaloos.
If you're looking for refreshments on Saturday night there are pubs in nearby towns of Smythesdale, Scarsdale and Linton. Not to mention the many services available in Ballarat.
Coffee will be available at the venue on both days - cash only.
The event will start and finish at a property on Staffordshire Reef Rd, Staffordshire Reef.
From Ballarat head into Smythesdale, turn left onto Browns Rd which becomes Staffordshire Reef Rd. Continue on towards Berringa and when you are under the power lines, turn left down the track towards the lake. Beware of GPS services that direct you down sketchy bush tracks!
There will be signs outside the property.
You can still enter this event at the venue. Late fee of $20 applies.
Don't forget your logbook if your bike is on the club permit scheme.
See you there!
Grab a coffee at the Ross Creek Vinduro
22 May 2023
Great riding, good friends, vintage dirt bikes, and... coffee!
A local business will have coffee available at the paddock from 11am on Saturday, and early on Sunday.
Cash only!
Online entry for Ross Creek Vinduro has closed
22 May 2023
The tracks are looking great, the parking/camping area has been extended, there's plenty of firewood... Things are shaping up for a great weekend at the Ross Creek Vinduro this weekend (27-28 May).
Online entry has now closed. You can enter at the event; $20 late fee applies.
See you at the Ross Creek Vinduro!
2023 Ross Creek Vinduro entry now open
7 May 2023
Online entry has opened for the Ross Creek Vinduro on 27-28 May.
Come along and get muddy in the goldfields! Fifty odd kilometres of fun tracks, with some tricky bits to keep things interesting. And there's a practice track available on Saturday afternoon.
The event is open to pre 1988 motorcycles. Bikes need to be registered for this event.
Camping available Saturday night. More details and link to entry form now available.
If you want to ride with mates, please fill in the 'Team' field on the form. Just make sure you and your mates are all using the same name!
Preparations begin for Ross Creek Vinduro
4 May 2023
The Ross Creek Vinduro will be held on 27-28 May 2023. For those who attended last year, the event format is the same. The event will start and finish at a private property, where camping is available on Saturday night. A practice track will be available on Saturday, and the main event will happen on Sunday.
On Saturday practice will be available on an perimeter track around the property, not the pine forest track we used in 2022. This will prepare riders for the terrain they'll face on Sunday.
On Sunday the course itself will be mostly the same as last year, with a few tweaks here and there. The loop is approximately 55km with a 300m two way section that will be explained at riders brieifing. The course is well suited to older bikes, so drag out your 1970s twin shock machines.
Our ever-diligent Club Secretary has been clearing fallen trees from tracks, and re-routing around dangerous erosion holes.
Extra space is being cleared at the property in anticipation of more riders attending this event following the enthusiastic endorsements from those who had a muddy good time last year!
Plenty of firewood will be available for those camping on Saturday night. Bring your own wood splitter!
We are always on the look out for volunteers, so if you can help at this event, please get in touch.
More info and online entry form will be available on this website soon.
See you at the 2023 Won Wron Vinduro
27 April 2023
We are really looking forward to seeing you at the Won Wron Vinduro this weekend. Our volunteers have been hard at work to ensure that all goes smoothly and everyone has a brilliant time.
The area has been spared recent heavy rain and ground conditions are perfect. The WW Reserve is looking schmick, ready to welcome campers. We've had 100+ riders pre-enter... It's gonna be awesome!
Don't forget that riders briefing is at 9.30am on Saturday. Allow enough time to park, unpack and have your bike scrutineered.
Please note that there is a significant road hazard on Hyland Highway, near the Grand Ridge Road intersection. There are warning signs in place, so don't ignore them - it's a doozy!
What is everyone riding? Here's what we know so far:
- Yamaha 30%
- Honda 30%
- Suzuki 11%
- Kawasaki 9%
- Husqvarna 5%
- KTM 5%
- Can-Am 3%
- Bultaco 2%
- Maico 2%
- Triumph 1%
- Hodaka 1%
- Montesa 1%
Won Wron Vinduro online entry has closed.
26 April 2023
We've had heaps of interest for this event with other 100 riders registered.
Online entry has now closed.
You can enter at the event - $20 late fee applies.
Entry now open for Won Wron Vinduro
10 April 2023
Online entry has opened for the Won Wron Vinduro on 29-30 April 2023.
The event features two days of riding over two unique courses. The loops include bush tracks, pine plantations, MX track, trails used in the 1998 ISDE, and more. Each day's loop will be about 60km, and with optional extras there's the opportunity to ride 80km each day if you're up for it.
The 2022 Won Wron Vinduro event was incredible. Many riders hailed it as the best ride of the year. If you missed it last year, don't make the same mistake this time!
Bikes need to be registered for this event.
Camping and catering are available.
More details and link to entry form now available.
2023 Harrow Vintage Cross Country results
4 April 2023
Thanks to all the riders who took part in our HVCC event on the weekend. Congratulations to the winners, and everyone else who turned up and had a go.
The winners:
- Pre 88 Open (A): 1st Callum Morrison (SA), 2nd Brett Steel (Vic), 3rd Damian O'Donnell (Vic)
- Pre 84 (B): 1st Adrian Fitzgerald (SA), 2nd Kent Worland (Vic), 3rd Stephen Young (Vic)
- Pre 80 (C): 1st Phil Green (Vic), 2nd Kent Worland (Vic), 3rd Adrian Fitzgerald (SA)
- Pre 76 (D): 1st Stephen Young (Vic), 2nd Dominic Cockerell (Vic) / Michael Payne (Vic), 3rd John Cahill (Vic)
- Pre 72 (E): 1st Bill Payne (SA), 2nd Chris Gray (Vic)
- Pre 88 250 (F): 1st Todd Nicholson (SA), 2nd Shannon Dixon (Vic) / Kent Worland (Vic), 3rd Daniel Graham (Vic)
Check out the complete standings.
A HUGE thanks is due to Lauchie (land owner); the people of Harrow; and all of the volunteers who worked so hard before, during and after to make this happen. We could not have done it without you.
2023 Harrow Vintage Cross Country update #3
31 March 2023
Final instructions have been sent to competitors. Any further updates/instructions will be announced at the venue. Competitors should proceed to the office to sign-in as soon as they get to the Johnny Mullagh Reserve in Harrow.
2023 Harrow Vintage Cross Country Update #2
29 March 2023
List of HVCC competitors by class now available [updated 30 March].
2023 Harrow Vintage Cross Country Update #1
28 March 2023
Entries have closed and with around 100 bikes entered, this is gonna be a ripper event.
We will send final instructions via email to competitors prior to the event. In the meantime here's some importnat general information about the 2023 HVCC.
CLASSES AND RACE ORDER
We have added an extra class by splitting Pre 88 into 250 and Open. New class structure below:
Pre 1988 Open (A)
Pre 1984 (B)
Pre 1980 (C)
Pre 1976 (D)
Pre 1972 (E)
Pre 88 250 (F)
D & E will race together, but the 2 classes will be scored individually.
Race order below, repeated over the weekend:
1. Pre 1988 Open (A)
2. Pre 88 250 (F)
3. Pre 1976 (D) & Pre 1972 (E)
4. Pre 1984 (B)
5. Pre 1980 (C)
With many entrants riding 2 (or more!) bikes, quite a few will have back-to-back races. This is unavoidable no matter how the races are arranged. We will allow time between races, but you'll need to be on the ball!
Total number of heats will be decided at the event. Any changes to race order will be announced ASAP.
RIDERS BRIEFINGS
Mandatory. First one is 11am Saturday at the Johnny Mullagh Reserve. Second one is at 9.15am Sunday at the track.
PRACTICE
Practice sessions will be guided lap(s) with marshal, not free riding. Saturday at 11.30am and Sunday at 9.30am. Sunday practice may be cancelled if it's deemed unnecessary.
DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS
Don't forget that daylight saving ends on Sunday 2 April. All Sunday times are non DS.
CATERING
The Saturday night dinner is BYO liquid refreshments.
Catering is available at the track on Saturday (lunch) and Sunday (breakfast & lunch). Payment by cash only.
SCRUTINEERING
Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 8-11am, and Sunday 8-8.30am at Johnny Mullagh Reserve (as per Supp Regs).
We'll be checking for usual stuff, but don't forget
- side stands need to be removed or taped up
- glass head and tail lights removed or taped up
- guard covering lower rear sprocket/chain in place
2023 HVCC entries have closed
27 March 2023
Entries for this event have closed. Entering at the event is not an option.
If you didn't enter, but are keen to check out the racing action, please come along to Harrow on the weekend!
2023 HVCC Update from VERi Secretary
16 March 2023
Colin (President), Lauchie (land owner) and I put in some hard hours on Wednesday (15 March), preparing the HVCC track.
Riders are advised to walk the track, in particular the initial drop onto the river flats and the off camber uphill which is in the first kilometre.
I've been trimming all possible branches and kicking all hidden bits of wood out of the racing lines, but feel free to do any 'gardening' when walking the track.
The dirt is really loamy down on the river flats but dry up the top grassed area. However, we will have a water truck to dampen down the top section.
We have looked at the uphill off-camber through some small trees but I'm satisfied that it wont be a bottleneck as there are 3 lines riders can take through the patch.
The sheep are off the land so all markers will be safe, unless the goddamn kangaroos take a liking to orange conduit poles!
There is enough space for riders to park their vehicles beside the pit area. Don't forget your enviromats and extinguishers. The grass is really dry at the moment, but will be slashed before the event.
Marika from the Harrow Café will have lunch Saturday, breakfast and lunch Sunday at the track. Snacks, cool drinks, coffee, egg and bacon rolls and beef buns with cheese, onions etc. Cash only. There will be a special stainless steel water tank with fresh water available for all.
On the subject of food, don't forget the excellent 2 course dinner Saturday night - a bargain at $35.
By the way, you don't have to use Ridernet to get the One Event Licence. Just tick the OEL box on the HVCC entry form, add the $90 to the entry fee and you're covered. This is a special MV dispensation for our event only.
Get your entries in now!
Regards
Peter Drakeford
VERi Secretary
Entries now open for 2023 Harrow Vintage Cross Country
26 February 2023
We are excited to announce that entry is now open for the 2023 Harrow Vintage Cross Country (HVCC).
This competition event for vintage bikes will be the first of its kind ever held in Australia.
"We reckon the Vintage Cross Country will appeal to vintage enduro fans who crave the short race format of a final moto, and vintage motocross riders looking for a new challenge," says VERi Secretary Peter Drakeford.
"We encourage everyone to have a go, not just experienced racers. If you're interested in dipping your toe into this type of competition, or just want to race your mates at the back of the field, then this is the event for you."
An old-school rubber band start will release riders into the first of two laps of the 5 km course. Utilising the Turner property which has hosted many vintage enduro and classic scramble events previously, the course is a cross between natural terrain scramble and enduro special test. No massive jumps and no gnarly creek crossings!
The event is open to pre 1988 motorcycles. There are several sub-classes based on year of manufacture. Bikes do not have to be road registered.
The HVCC will be run over two days with multiple heats so consistency and reliability will be factors – not just outright speed.
The event will be conducted under auspices of Motorcycling Victoria & Motorcycling Australia.
The HVCC will take place on the weekend of 1 – 2 April, 2023. More details are available on the HVCC page.
Get ready for the Harrow Vintage Cross Country
7 February 2023
We're excited about the 2023 Harrow Vintage Cross Country (HVCC)!
It will be the first competitive vintage event of its kind ever held in Australia. Two days of pure vintage racing, over a 5 km natural terrain course that's fast and fun - vintage cross country. And it's being held in Harrow, a place with a fantastic riding landscape that's familiar to many vinduro fans and a kind of spiritual home for VERi.
More details, including some FAQs are now available. We will update the HVCC page as more details are confirmed.
For inspiration, here's a picture of Club Secretary Peter Drakeford doing his cross country best, back in the day:
Broadford Vinduro date change
28 January 2023
The Broadford Vinduro has been rescheduled from September 9 to September 16. VERi apologises for any inconvenience this causes.
This will be our first event at the Broadford Motorcycle Complex, and we're really looking forward to it. See you there!
2023 VERi Event Calendar Announced
23 November 2022
Here it is folks - the VERi calendar for 2023. There'll be old favourites and some new events to enjoy in 2023. More details about individual events will be made available closer to the dates.
April 1-2: Harrow Cross Country
April 29-30: Won Wron Vinduro
May 27-28: Ross Creek Vinduro
June 24-25: Black Duck Vinduro (at Campbelltown)
July 29-30: Harrow Vinduro
September 16: Broadford Vinduro*
October 21-22: Bonnie Doon Vinduro / EOY event (at Star Glen Lodge)
Unforeseen stuff happens, so please be aware (and understanding) that all dates and events above are subject to change.
* Rescheduled from Sep 9 to Sep 16