More photos from Dec 2 at Castella

See the full set here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/94704762@N00/sets/72157632327517630



Bultaco Frontera for Dakar 2013

Some may recall Ignacio Chivite's valiant attempt at the 2011 Dakar Rally on a 1978 Bultaco Frontera. Unfortunately after three consecutive nights without any sleep, and some niggling fuel leaks and electrical problems Ignacio had to withdraw after six days of competition. 

However Ignacio is not a hombre to give up easily. He's back (#169) with his Bultaco to tackle the Dakar again in 2013. Apparently he's returning with a better race plan, and more support. He's also been working on his fitness.

Vinduro Victoria wishes him all the best in 2013. For any Spanish speakers, check out his profile on the official Dakar website:

http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2013/us/rider/169.html

 

1978 Bultaco Frontera ready for Dakar. Image from GS Trail website.

Castella vinduro in Scooter News

Among those at the Castella vinduro on December 2 was Steve and Jo from Scooter News. Steve had a great time riding his first vinduro event, and Jo popped up all over the loop with camera in hand.

For those of you that missed it, volume 79 of Scooter News features some in depth coverage of the event. There are a massive fifteen pages in total, including a detailed report from editor Steve. There's also a profile of Geoff Morris and interview with Drakie, heaps of great shots taken by Jo, and more.

To get yourself a copy, just email the guys at: scooter-news@hotmail.com

Steve appears to be quite taken with the vinduro concept, so you can expect to see him and Jo at more events. This will undoubtedly mean more coverage of our events in Scooter News, so make sure you subscribe!

Castella - A great way to finish off 2012

Finishing with a flourish

The last Victorian vinduro for 2012 was held on Sunday 2 December. In keeping with the spectacular year we've had, it was a huge success with around 80 riders in attendance.

Just like the event at Castella in January, there were quite a few new faces, as well as some familiar ones that we haven't see for a while (welcome back).

Photos have already appeared on the EBT and Ozvmx forums.

If you'd like to share some stories about your adventures at Castella, drop us a line at vinduro.victoria@gmail.com and we'll publish them here and/or in one of our newsletters.

Take a lap of Castella

Thanks to Ross Nimmo (Honda XR250) for providing us with some helmet camera footage of a hot lap at Castella. Simply click on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E-ADP2SJpg&feature=youtu.be

Ross wasn't too proud to show us what happens when it goes pear-shaped either. Again, just click... 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN_G6pcPIGw&feature=youtu.be

Crystal ball gazing

What’s in store for 2013?

With the 2012 Victorian vinduro almost finished (last event is on December 2 at Castella) there’s already plenty of work going on behind the scenes to ensure that 2013 is just as successful.

Perennial favourites such as Three Bridges and Castella should be on the calendar, and two other major events have been locked in.

HBBB will take place on the Easter weekend (March 30 – 31), and entries have already started to arrive from all over Australia.

The iconic Harrow Vinduro will be held as usual on the last weekend of July (27-28). There’s talk of possibly including a swap meet into the schedule on the Saturday, and there may be some other new developments too, so stay tuned for more details.

The BMCC are keen to run an event at Bagshot again, so chances are good that we’ll be back there in 2013.

There are two possibilities in the Tallarook area, including one that could contain a large flat area perfect for (non-competitive) drag-strip style speed trials. There’s also the possibility of a return of the Ballan Sprint held in 2011, and a new venue near Sale. This year’s red plate/rec rego ride at Mount Egerton should also be repeated (and maybe some other informal rides too).

Please be aware that many of these events are still just possibilities at this time. Wherever possible we’ll try and avoid date clashes with other dirt bike events in Victoria and interstate. Things don’t always turn out as expected, and events are occasionally rescheduled, so keep an eye out for the Vinduro Victoria newsletter and check back here regularly for confirmed dates and locations.

And 2014?

How does the idea of a Grand Prix style event held in the desert area of northern Victoria sound? Anyone remember the Sea Lake enduro? Ever seen clips of the Elsinore Grand Prix, with hay bales in the streets? Watch this space…

Image from tomparis.com

 

Harrow 2013... The wait begins!

Click on the image for a larger view.

Vinduro Victoria newsletter 5 out now

The fifth edition of the Vinduro Victoria newsletter has left the virtual parc ferme and should have arrived at the first check point now.

If you haven't received a copy you can lodge a protest with the clerk of the course at vinduro.victoria@gmail.com

November updates

Castella vinduro less than a month away

Most Victorian vinduro fans would be aware that our last event for 2012 will take place at Castella, and has been rescheduled to Sunday December 2. That's less than a month away now, so get the spanners out and get those old bikes ready. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us.

Castella entry form in the (e)mail

The entry form for the Castella vinduro on December 2 has been sent out to everyone on our mailing list. If you have not received a copy just email us at vinduro.victoria@gmail.com and we'll sort you out!

Harrow bronze medals available

The errant bronze medals from this year's Harrow vinduro are now available. If you missed out on one of these prized items on the day just drop Drakie a line at pd@ma.org.au and he'll sort you out.

Get your 2013 Honda Broadford Bonanza forms

Easter 2013 falls on the weekend of March 30 - 31, and the Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza will once again see a huge amount of old bikes making use of the unique complex at Broadford. For those who like to get in early, the forms are now ready. Just contact us at vinduro.victoria@gmail.com 

Next edition of newsletter coming soon

The next Vinduro Victoria newsletter is being prepared in a secret laboratory right now. It should be in the electronic post soon(ish).



Chance discovery sees rare Jawa ISDT heading to Victoria

What a fluke, there I was just cruising through Jawa ISDT images on the internet last Tuesday and this pops up. JustBikes? What? It must be old. Oh well... what? It’s three hours old? It’s a fresh ad!

Hurriedly ring the number, talk to seller who knows me through CZ connections years ago, I put the phone down, agonised as I promised the wife I’d never buy another bike since I got my dream Jawa. Rang her and patiently explained through her protests that I would sell whatever to get it, so it’s cost neutral. She relented so I rang back and got it! Yeehah!

 

- Drakie

Yeah, sometimes you get lucky. But when are we gonna see it at a vinduro?



Cookardinia 2012 photos by Kim Jones

Kim Jones snapped a huge amount of excellent shots at this year's Cookardinia vinduro.

Vinduro regular completes 2012 A4DE

Congratulations to Nathan Senior from the ACT on successfully completing the 2012 Australian Four Day Enduro.

Photos from the 2012 A4DE

Random Images is the official photographer of the 2012 Australian Four Day Enduro at Warragul. Check out some terrific images on their web site.

Vinduro regular makes it through Day 3 of the A4DE

Nathan Senior from the ACT is a regular at Victoria vinduros and he's currently riding a Husqvarna XC150 in the 2012 Australian Four Day Enduro in Warragul. Nathan has made it through Day Three and is currently in 33rd position in the Veterans class (35 - 45 years old), and is at 142nd overall.

Jean Christophe Bonneville (Team France, 2012 Harrow Vinduro) is also still doing well after three days of competition. JC is competing in the Enduro 2 class.

For more details, check out the official A4DE website.

Vinduro regular survives first two days of A4DE

Victorian Vinduro regular Nathan Senior from the ACT has survived Day One and Day Two of the 2012 Australian Four Day Enduro in Warragul. Nathan is riding a Husqvarna in the Veterans class (35 - 45 years old).

Jean Christophe Bonneville who was a guest at this year's Harrow vinduro is also competing and is holding steady after two days of competition. JC is competing in the Enduro 2 class.

For more details, check out the official A4DE website.

Images from Cookardinia 2012

Official photos and video from the 2012 Cookardinia vinduro are now available, just refer to the links below:

http://www.vinduro.com.au/2012/2012-cookardinia-vinduro-pics/

http://www.vinduro.com.au/2012/2012-cookardinia-vinduro-video/

Additional photos and videos from those who attended the event have also been published on the Vinduro, OzVMX, EBT and Yamaha IT forums.

Yorkshire Vinduro, Sep 2012

This is the vinduro event that Drakie was competing in before having to retire. He described it as being pretty tough, and the footage backs up that assessment!

The vinduro was run on a Saturday (53 entries), with modern bikes running the course the following day (171 riders).

* If the video won't open in the window above, click on the link below...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB06f1baBvA

Drakie update

Drakie has returned safely to Australia after suffering some 'fitness issues' whilst competing in a vintage enduro in the UK. Expect tales of derring-do aboard a SWM GTS280 in the near future, as well as a plethora of excuses for his DNF, and observations of another UK vintage enduro (Hot Trod) from a spectator point of view.

Initial planning of the next Victorian event in November, and HBBB 2013 is also underway.

Harrow 2012 in Old Bike Australasia

The latest edition of Old Bike Australasia has a two page feature on this year's Harrow Vinduro. The article includes some excellent colour photographs by Tony Tervoert. As always we urge everyone to support those that support us, and go buy a copy! It's available in newsagents now.

Vinduro Victoria commends Australian effort at ISDE

Congratulations to the riders, team members and supporters who all contributed to Australia’s stunning World Trophy second place in the 2012 ISDE in Germany. This is the best result ever for an Australian team at the world’s toughest enduro event.

Australian teams also ended in third place in the Women’s World Trophy, and fourth in the Junior World Trophy categories.

More details aboout the 2012 ISDE are available on the Full Noise website.

1983 BMW finishes 2012 Safari

The Australian Safari is arguably the toughest off-road event in this country. The 2012  Safari is now finished. It featured the usual collection of 450cc liquid cooled four stroke bikes that you would expect from a modern event. There was one notable exception however...

American James Adams rode a 1983 BMW R65GS prepared by Rooney Cycle in NSW to complete the rally.  Finishing this gruelling event on a BMW twin is quite an achievement, and Vinduro Victoria commends his tenacity and adventurous spirit.

More details can be found at the links below.

Official Australian Safari website:

http://www.australasiansafari.com.au/website/home.html

Rooney Cycle website:

http://rooneycycle.wordpress.com/

Newsletter #4 out now

The fourth Vinduro Victoria newsletter for 2012 has now been despatched from the Parc Ferme. If you aren't on our mailing list and would like to be, just drop us a line!

First Bagshot Vinduro a huge success

The Bendigo Motorcycle Club's first vinduro was a hit, with over 60 riders on a variety of machinery all enjoying a terrific 5 km loop at the Bagshot Motorsport Complex. There was gravel, dust, sand, logs, a little mud, and some incredibly tight single trail.

The most laps completed was 23, achieved by a rider on a Honda SL125!

Thanks are due to the BMCC for running the event, and the Bendigo Car Club for the use of the property.

Photos of the event can now be viewed on the Enduro Bike Talk forum (log-in required).

There was a lot of new faces at Bagshot. If you want to get onto the Vinduro Victoria emailing list just drop us a line at vinduro.victoria@gmail.com

If you'd like to know more about the Bendigo Motorcycle Club, you can wisit their website at www.bmcc.net.au

Our next event is scheduled for Sunday 25 November. The location will either be Castella or Flowerdale; stay tuned for updates.

Drakie's UK misadventure

Drakie has landed himself in a British hospital after suffering chest pains while riding in a vinduro in the UK! Reports indicate that he is fine, but he won't be able to fly home for three weeks.

Follow the thread over on ozvmx:

http://ozvmx.com/community/index.php?topic=25435.0

Harrow 2012 DVD now available

Professional photographer and long-time vinduro supporter Tony Tervoert (Barossa Photo Company) has released a DVD of video footage from this year's spectacular Harrow Vinduro. They are $20 each and make a perfect souvenir if you were there, or a way to compensate for missing the best vintage dirt bike event of the year if you weren't!

You can contact Tony at tonytervoert@yahoo.com.au

Bagshot Vinduro poster

Drop us a line if you'd like a high resolution version (large file) for printing - vinduro.victoria@gmail.com 



Wanted!

Issued by the Husqvarna NSW team...

Harrow 2012 pics from Drakie

In between running this massive vinduro, and even riding a bit, Drakie also managed to snap a few pics which can be seen over on the ozvmx forum. Just click on the link below:

http://ozvmx.com/community/index.php?topic=25008.0

Post Harrow hostilities continue

Far from abating, the rivalry between several of the teams competing at the 2012 Harrow Vinduro has continued to rage, with the release of lurid images too disturbing to be published on a family-friendly site such as this, and an ominous communique from Petr Drakfallov's masters...

**********************************************************

From: RS

Sent: 7 August 2012

Subject: Harrow update

This is hot off the press… A picture of the Welsh captain , after all the broken bikes and bad luck with his team members leaving the presentation after the event with the arse out of his pants and a hand full of cold chicken/humble pie.

[Pic removed for reasons of good taste]

 **********************************************************

From: RS

Sent: 9 August 2012 9:44 AM

Subject: RE: Harrow update

Rumour: Team Husky New South will most likely be campaigning two autos at The Harrow in 2013.

Who knows there may be two Husky teams from New South…

The Welsh team's aspirations already appear to be diminishing and we have approximately 11.5 months to the next test at The Harrow. Sometimes you just have to take it on the chin have a little cup of cement and harden the hell up. It also helps if your machine's stays operational.

The talk around town is that there will be three more teams from the New South. It would appear that the much coveted Tony T trophies are on the most wanted radar.

Stay tuned, only about 350 sleeps to go.

RS

 **********************************************************

From: MH

Sent: 9 August 2012 10:04 AM

Subject: Harrow update

I think you have all been giving SB a bit of a hard time..... I know he deserves it but he was hampered this year by having the backbone of his team withdraw at the 11th hour... 11.59 to be precise...i.e. me! No excuses but work has to come first... sometimes, but not in 2013 - it's in the diary!

To help Steve out, I have acquired a new weapon... related to Husky but only for a short period - Cagiva 1980 250 WRX!

I have ordered some bags of cement - all for SB!

MH

 **********************************************************

From: RS

Sent: 9 August 2012

Subject: Harrow update

Hey MH,

Cagiva 1980 250 WRX: great bike.

Best get Steve some bags of quick set Reeksy , as well as being a great rider , great builder and all-round good guy , he could also be a film maker* .

*See http://vindurovictoria.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/helmet-camera-footage-from-harrow-2012.html

RS

 **********************************************************

From: JR

Sent: 9 Aug 2012

Subject: Harrow update

 Hate to be the bearer of bad news but it seems your team captain has finally figured that if you can't beat them you’re best to join them. Firstly Shoey can testify that Bacon Balls has put in an application to join team New South for the 2013 campaign. Wisely, Shoey has declined his offer due to his lack of pace and physical toughness. Secondly   Baker has abandoned his SWMs and Maicos for a Husky Auto.

Hammond has been rumoured to be interested in the captaincy of team Wales now that Baker’s gone, I'd suggest mike, Team Wales has never looked stronger.

It will be interesting to see what team will be desperate enough to take on Baker for 2013. And as for the aggressive passing, you haven't seen anything, just wait for the 2013 video then we will see some aggressive manoeuvring.

JR

**********************************************************

From:  CSSR DUKLA Club

Sent: 9 August 2012 12:25 PM

Subject: Harrow update

Gentlemen,

While other lesser nations squabble over Team Selection for the 'Whole Test' (ref: Carl Cranke ISDT comment) alias The Harrow 2013, Team Czech has been sent to Intensive Re-training Camp Gulag 13.

CSSR is confident retrained riders will be a match for excellent Jawa/CZ machines and no match for so called 'Free Nations'.

Please abandon foolish notions of superiority in the face of our skilled riders and superior machinery.

Commissar Drakfallov is undergoing retraining too as it was noted that he was a little too close to the opposing Teams and possible was bribed to slow down with supposed 'engine trouble'.

The Secretariat of the CSSR DUKLA Club knows engine failure of mighty Jawa/CZ is not possible and confidently predicts all posturing of opposing Teams in this hallowed Harrow competition is futile.

Team Czech Secretariat

DUKLA, Praha, CSSR

Helmet camera footage from Harrow 2012

Thanks to John Reeks for the video clip below. It includes footage from both Saturday and Sunday.

Sour grapes of wrath after Harrow

Well, the 2012 Harrow Vinduro may be over but apparently hostilities between some of the teams are not!

The latest round of leaked emails reveals a deeply embedded enmity that does not bode well for future events.

**********************************************

From: JR

Sent: 31 July 2012

Subject:  Harrow update

Gentlemen and the Welsh,

Well what a weekend, some may say what a golden weekend, the Welsh may not agree but who really cares? Firstly I dip my Bell Moto helmet to our chief commander Shoey. A faultless preparation of man and weaponry had the enemy shaking in their hi-point boots well before their minute.

Shoey’s first master move was to get the embroidered victory jackets. It goes without saying this opening salvo put the opposition on their back foot from the get go. The enemy’s response of buying low quality jackets from a St Vincent de Paul charity shop were almost gallant, but ultimately were akin to firing a .22 rifle at the Bismarck.

For me Shoey, your most defining moment was how you conducted yourself after you had been taken down in a truly despicable event that contravenes the Geneva Convention rules of engagement. God only knows the level the Welsh may sink to, but to have a undercover agent throw a large unforgiving rock under your front wheel is indefensible. It is a testament to the man you are Shoey that you literally took it on your chin and soldiered on. I have also been made aware that on your final charge through enemy lines, you gathered fallen and broken civilians and enemy soldiers and carried them back to Parc Ferme even though you were at your limit just to make it back yourself. It was a Simpson and his donkey kind of moment (no disrespect to your Husky intended).

To you our commander I recommend the VC award to you.

Wayne, our sergeant of arms, always dependable always gallant and never tiring. I open my Belstaff in a manly kind of way for you my friend. Your faultless performance in keeping a rear guard on my forward attack prevented the enemy getting anywhere near us. And resupplying the forward attack with supplies to continue on assured us victory.

To you I recommend the star of gallantry.

So for now we may all enjoy the spoils of war. Team members I raise my glass towards you, savour this joyous moment, taste the bitterness of our enemy, delight in the disgrace  of the Welsh, embrace the disrespect the Czechs have shown us, engage  the French arrogance, for this will only make us stronger till we  next meet.

Victory is ours and ours alone.

May the golden jacket remain in custody of the mighty New South Wales Husky team from here on in.  After all, the jacket does fit you like a glove Shoey.

**********************************************

From:  SB

Sent: 31 July 2012

Subject:  Harrow update

The Welsh humbly except defeat on this occasion and you may all bask in your moment of victory in the sun, however after chatting with the other members of the welsh team we feel you victory was a Bradbury moment and you were able to take advantage of our misfortune so in hindsight you may have won the battle but you didn't win the war. Only 361 sleeps before we meet again. Be scared, be very, very scared.

Team Wales

**********************************************

From:  RS

Sent: 2 August 2012

Subject:  Harrow update

“Damn , help . Someone bring me a Husky.”

**********************************************

From:  SB

Sent: 2 August 2012

Subject:  Harrow update

I was waiting for that photo to surface! Damn!

Breaking News

Team Wales mascot found dead in Northern Beaches Swimming pool foul play suspected, no one is pointing the finger yet but the Japanese and French have been mentioned!

Team Wales

**********************************************

From:  PK

Sent: 4 August 2012

Subject:  Harrow update

Mon dieu! M. Baker attempts to shift the blame for the reprehensible neglect and treatment of their own mascot! Such low morals to use, abuse and discard but, not unexpected. I suspect that there is a connection between one who is employed in the food industry and the high value of whale meat at present. Team France is currently embroiled in 'discussions' with the commissar of the Czech national enduro team regarding issues of SABOTAGE of J-C's ride.

Team Wales have also been implicated. Beware! This may end nuclear. You all have been warned. And to those of you who enjoy the dubiously attained spoils of victory, the French have the last word - you enjoy champagne at your celebrations ce n'est pas?

Team France. Vive!

Tex's Harrow report

My team

The Green Triangle Has-beens, was made up of my two younger brothers and me. One had ridden at Harrow twice before, but no other vinduros. The other had never ridden in any vinduros before. 

Preparation
I wasn’t sure what I was going to ride until Friday afternoon. In the end I had to settle on my PE175 which needed a bit of work, but came together ok. 

My youngest brother rode his 1980 PE250 for the first time at 5.30pm the evening before the event! We were still in his workshop putting the finishing touches to the Suzukis on Saturday night. At 6.30am the next morning we were scratching around for fuel. My other brother’s XR250 still had mud on it from last year’s Harrow Vinduro...

Cold start 

I hate the cold starts! This time the dreaded cold start went without a hitch for me, as the 175 fired up with just two kicks. My team mates’ steeds weren’t so obliging, and we lost a bit of time as both their bikes had to be push started.  

Finally we were on our way...   

The course 

It’s hard to try and describe the whole 35 kms so I’ll just pick out a few bits that stick in my mind: 

* We had already decided to take the detour around the first river crossing. When we arrived it was obvious that people were already having trouble, so we skirted around it as planned.

* KLX250 blowing more smoke that a two stroke (I later saw it parked by the side of the track).

* Those poly pipes in the grass!

* The off camber section where everyone’s boots had scraped a mark along the side of the hill

* The final river crossing as you completed section 4.

* The guy on the Bultaco who had a low speed crash right in front of me.

* Chasing my team mates around on our first lap (I didn’t see much of them the second time around).

* My PE developed an annoying habit of dying right after I’d come out of the river crossings, I guess water was dripping on something and causing a temporary short.

* I decided to push the PE over some slippery logs, but dropped the bike. A bit of huffing and puffing later I was off the log and back on my way. At the next steep downhill I discovered that when I dropped the bike the brake pedal had been pushed in under the engine. As my right foot pressed down on fresh air, I switched between praying and swearing 1000 times before safely arriving at the bottom.

* Hitting one of the sandy creek crossings at full noise because I didn’t want to back the overworked little PE off. An explosion of water everywhere. Inside my helmet, down my shirt, in under my gloves... I kept that momentum going though!

* The folding gear lever tip became jammed and I had to stop to free it. My mat eon the CT125 pulled up and offered some help. As I waved him on he called out, “I guess this means I’m passing you!”

* Blasting around the sandy special test track, chasing my brother on his PE250 like I had some remote chance of passing him.

* Loving the PE175 in the tight stuff. Hating it on the long paddock straights.

* Gnarly creek crossing. As I approached I could just see a few helmets lined up. I stayed up on the bank instead of joining the fray. I saw both my brothers waiting in there and decided to look for an easier way though, which I found a bit further down. The next time around there was dozens of tyre tracks where others had decided the same thing.

At the end of the day the Green Triangle Has-beens all managed two laps for a silver medal each, and we were pretty pleased with that.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Look out for more first hand reports about Harrow in the fourth edition of the Vinduro Victoria newsletter.

Harrow 2012 - "Best vinduro ever"

With over 140 entries, a challenging course and perfect weather, many are hailing this year's event as the best vinduro they've ever attended!

Photos have altready started to appear on the EBT forum (log-in required) and Vinduro forum. Stay tuned for a full event report in the next newsletter.

Vic Vinduro scandal deepens

The recently exposed war of words between Team Wales and the Husqvarna NSW team continues to sink to new depths. To make matters worse, the shadowy Mr Drakfallov has emerged from his bunker with a stream of rhetoric that makes it clear that for him the cold war never ended...

**********************************************

From: RS

Sent: 19 July 2012

Subject:  Official Welsh team uniform

I have just received this leaked photo from the Team Wales CAMP and advice hot off the presses that the Welsh lads will be attired in DJ's late season winter release. "Rumour has it”, that will it be something in wool of course, with a distinct chic modern upbeat feel.

Note: the chic little holder for the time/course card and the little leather hip hydration flask , coupled with the outstanding pink woven lanyard for the flare gun for the inevitable loss in the wilderness , this garment will make the Welsh lads very hard to beat in the fashion stakes.



We trust this information is sufficient for your needs. Please give me a call if you have any questions.

Thank You.

RS

**********************************************

From: SB

Sent: 19 July 2012

Subject:  Official Welsh team uniform

Dear Capt Patchwork and your fellow quilters

I think you have us mixed up with comrade Drakov's Cheq team  the Welsh could never look that cool But it is good to see the cheq team have a tow rope around their necks to pull those Jawas out of the mud just hope they tie the rope around the bikes and not leave it  around their necks  hate to pull there neck and heads off , there will be nowhere to hang there bronze medals!

Kind Regards

S "Hobbit" Baker-Jones

Ambassodor for Welsh relations with Ozxtralia and NOW Chequeislavacula

**********************************************

From: Petr Drakfallov

Sent: 19 July 2012

Subject:  Official Welsh team uniform

To all Imperialist Running Dogs:

General Release and Warning.

We of the Glorious and Multi Victorious Czech Team wish to emphasise our total superiority over the curmudgeon Welsh and neophyte NS Welsh Teams as well as the running dog French and Canadian Teams.

We only state that the starting of your ill-fated teams minutes before the all conquering Czech Soviet Socialist Team will only supply us with traction as we trample you under foot in the bogs of Harrow.

As we have not indulged on this vainglorious self serving boasting until now and only under extreme provocation do we resort to stating that all other girly-boy entrants have no hope in either the presentation/coaching stakes as we have the services of a 3 times World Champ on Czech machinery advising us on riding technique and sartorial headwear. (See pic below)

Yours in furthering the Cold War.

Comrade Drakfallov.



**********************************************

From: RS Sent: 19 July 2012

Subject: Official Welsh team uniform

My good Comrade Drakfallov

We wish you and your pet or may we call it "hat" good tidings, may the sun shine on you , we hope you always have the wind at your back and you survive your quest.

See attached your opposition and be wary of the number 2B, double vision but different views, such trickery prevails.

RS



**********************************************

From: Petr Drakfallov

Sent: 19 July 2012

Subject: Official Welsh team uniform

Dear Well Intentioned Capitalist Pretty Boy.

While the 'handsomeness' of the Svedish Huskybannana is common knowledge and the special adornments are laudatory I wish to say that the rugged functionality of Jawa indestructibles will out.

As a sop to the other entrants we are commissioning pretty stickers (see pic) to cheer up the poor and hopelessly vanquished. 

Victory to the CSSR. Glory to all Comrades on Team Czech.

Commisionar for Inter- Personal and Team Relations

Comrade Drakfallov

**********************************************

From: RS

Sent: 19 July 2012

Subject: Official Welsh team uniform

Salutations Comrade,

We commend you on the event decals; we look forward to our great team and the others being adorned by such things.

Thank you for your compliments, however we are forever cautious of pretty words, compliments, trickery and gifts of trinkets.

Power to the CSSR. Glory to all Comrades on Team Czech and we look forward to the ensuing battle.

RS

**********************************************

From: WL

Sent: 19 July 2012

Subject: Official Welsh team uniform

Comrade Drakfallov

Another pretty Husky-banana ready for battle, but don’t be fooled by the good looks, it is made of real metal from men dressed in neat but functional uniforms who eat pickled herring for breakfast!

You will note that this shows the bike in the rested suspension position, which I’m sure you’re aware, will provide extra spring to cross bog holes in a single bound.

The Welsh were never going to achieve Gold, but now with reduced numbers aren’t even in the race for gold. It’s now up Team Czech and perhaps the gentle persons of the French Team to provide some sort of resistance. What happened to the Welsh?

PS I hate mud. Have the Austar weather channel set to Harrow

Regards

WL

**********************************************

From: SB

Sent: 19 July 2012

Subject: Official Welsh team uniform

Breaking News!

The Welsh have successfully recruited a new member for its team we are happy to announce that the very welsh Christian Cahill Jones who we think will be the key to our success in the Bogs of Harrow!

I'm glad that you Husky boys are showing us the front number plates as I don’t want our team  getting a sore neck looking back all the time.

Never count the Welsh out.

Regards Team Wales

**********************************************

From: RS

Sent: 19 July 2012

Subject: Official Welsh team uniform

That’s good news, when the Welsh Captain takes advice from the Captain of the Husqvarna team and as suggested, recruited a current ally, KC, member of last year’s Husqvarna team and currently riding the Husqvarna brand.

Isn’t it ironic that the Welsh would have a team Husqvarna rider on staff?

RS

**********************************************

From: SB

Sent: 19 July 2012

Subject: Official Welsh team uniform

Capt Patch work and Quilters

What you have failed to realize is that killer Cahill-Jones was planted by team Wales last year to gather information on the inner workings of Team husky sewing we soon came to the conclusion that the only plan they had was a plan for making matching jackets for the following year I guess we will see if there plan has come to fruition. So how ironic is it, that Team Patchwork would have a Team Wales rider on its staff!

Regards

Team Wales

**********************************************

From: RS

Sent: 20 July 2012

Subject:  Official Welsh team uniform

That’s espionage.

RS

**********************************************

From: RS

Sent: 20 July 2012

Subject:  Official Welsh team uniform

Press Release

Team Wales are getting ready to release their team badge / logo for this year's Harrow International Vinduro.

The word on the street is that there seems to be some heated discussions among the rugged Welsh riding team regarding selection of the team's logo for this year's event

The buzz word is "controversy", the Captain is pushing for the togetherness /”we are one” theme , whereas the lad's would like to stick with the tried and tested Whales logo.

Rumour has it, that CZ /Jawa team are feeling "old" and vulnerable and have hatched a scheme and enlisted a decoy rider to distract us around the course. Some teams will stop at nothing to get one of the glorious teams’ trophies.

One week to go

RS


**********************************************

From: SB

Press release:

The Welsh Team Have just announced that Killer Cahill Jones will be riding a Bultaco 125 Lobito (Spanish translation = “lone wolf”, Welsh Translation = “big dick”)!

When asked for comment Killer Cahill Jones said after riding with Capt Patch Work and Comrade Drakaflov last year he felt that he had to give the opposing teams a sporting chance, When Mr "Hobbit" Baker-Jones was asked his reply was bugger that we will not be taking any prisoners, but later added he felt confident that Killer Cahill Jones riding the Big Dick would have no problem navigating the perilous river and the quicksand-like bogs with a gold medal performance.

S "Hobbit" Baker-Jones

**********************************************

From: Petr Drakfallov

Sent: 19 July 2012

Subject: Official Welsh team uniform

Curse you all seeing Svedish hand wringer, our glorious plan has been exposed! We were saving the blond for our personal use 'en route' but now you capitalist dogs may beat us to her. Let the fastest get the golden blond er... Medal,.  As for the bike, we can loan one to Welsh Team unfortunate Cahill.

Yours in old world trickery

Comrade Dakfallov


**********************************************

From: WL Mr Baker Jones

Sent: 22 July 2012

Subject: Official Welsh team uniform

It would appear that the rivalry goes back almost 30 years...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=qpj9lRah8mM&NR

Just found some footage of the Welsh ISDE in 82 (but looks more like 83/4) where the Welsh seem preoccupied with Husqvarna and Jawa. It shows the Welsh gravitating around Husqvarna teams obviously looking for machine set up tips; rider tips anything that can improve their performance. Even the Czech team get a mention and show off their latest invention 'the people's almost a shaft drive' fully enclosed chain, then the Aussies are in focus on Husqvarna of course.

There appears to be some controversy in the Welsh camp over what team and bikes will be competing with one Welsh gent favouring the Matchless whilst other MTK etc etc. One thing's for sure every Welsh person, sponsor, accessory manufacturer is named Jones. What will the Welsh team ride at Harrow and what will they be dressed in: pudding basin helmets? Waxed cotton jackets? And what of their logo? Only a few days to go...

Regards

WL

Sent: 20 July 2012

Subject:  Official Welsh team uniform