FRIDAY 22 JUNE 2018 || ISSUE 010
INSIDE >>
P2 What’s on
>>
P10 A race with terror
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P11 The joy of Torque - The last car park
THE BEST
AUSTRALIAN MADE HEAVY TRUCK YET PAGE 3
PULL-OUT
MTB
POSTER R | PHOTOGRAPHY
JOSEF WINKLE
BY: ADAM WILSON
– GREYBOX IMAGES
PAGE 14
WE ARE YOUR LOCAL GUIDE FOR EVERYTHING ON WHEELS From skate boards to semis & cars to caravans. We have all your wheels covered.
|| DRIVER’S SIDE As a lay person with regards to road safety I’m sure there are much more qualified people than I to provide advice on driving behaviour. That said, I however would like to make a few suggestions that I think would make the roads a little safer. HEADLIGHTS. Can we agree that if the sun has gone down, or it is extremely cloudy, rainy, or in fact night time, headlights need to be switched on. I have always driven with my headlights on no matter the weather or time of day, not only so I can see, but, just as importantly, so I can be seen. HANDS. Whether you are a human being or an octopus how about we use all the hands we have to grip the steering wheel while driving. It’s not hard, the wheel is right in front of you. It’s obvious that many people’s right arm might need fresh air that’s available halfway down the outside the driver’s door. But remember in traffic rule 268 (3) if you have any part of your body, be it head, elbow, arm or leg, outside the vehicle you risk a fine of $330 and three demerit points. The same applies to passengers.
If you would like to be included in next week’s edition please contact Kieren on:
KIEREN L. TILLY
TORQUE BIG WHEEL
SPEED. Or more to the point, lack of it. Time and again authorities reiterate that speed kills, but I have something of a problem with that as a general statement. We should always drive to the conditions and specified speed limit and I’m not saying drive beyond your abilities. However, I am saying that if you are permitted to travel at the posted speed limit and you insist on travelling at more than 10 kilometres below that speed limit you’re an accident waiting to happen.
kieren@waggaweekly.com.au 0488 533 569 | 02 6923 3900 99 Peter Street Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650
And finally, BLINKERS. It’s staggering to see the number of drivers in Wagga who don’t use
What’s On
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PATH TO PURCHASE New cars for old drivers
4
Breaking the brake cuts costs
7
A steam dream in green
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GIRL TORQUE Alice In Wagga Land A race with terror
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Wagga Wagga Veteran & Vintage Motor Club annual June rally
On another point, we have to get over the idea that obtaining a driver’s licence is simply a thing to do. A driver’s licence is not a right, it’s a privilege. And there aren’t many privileges in life which carry the depth of responsibility that operating a vehicle on our roads does. I think many motorists forget that, or maybe never accept that they had a responsibility to their fellow road users. In closing I’ll throw a cat amongst the pigeons. At a point for discussion, consider whether anyone attempting to obtain a driver’s licence in Australia should have to undergo a psychological test to ensure that only those with the temperament to drive responsibly are granted a licence. I’d be interested to receive your response. Now the good news - Weekly Torque has a new contributor this week, Josef Winkler, who, for the uninitiated, is the go-to person with regards to mountain biking, or MTB as it is better known. He is extremely passionate about his bike riding and will be keeping you up to date on MTB events, bike care and general information from the Wagga MTB community. Thanks Josef for your interest in assisting Wagga Weekly and in turn Weekly Torque to inform, entertain and educate our readership. Until next time, safe travelling. Kieren.
WHAT’S ON
|| IN THIS ISSUE Drivers Side
indicators, or have unchecked faulty indicators, and expect fellow road users to guess their intentions. It appears from my experience that, given a choice, a growing minority simply choose not to use them.
12 & 13
The Fast Line Bikademy,
Grudge Kings 2018
Pomingalarna Reserve Saturday 30 June
Sydney Dragway Eastern Creek Saturday 14 July
A full day of MTB skills coaching between 10.00am and 3.00pm. Skills covered are at the request of the attendees. This training event is being held in readiness for the upcoming Riverina Mountain Bike Open (RAMBO) event in Wagga on 22 July, so prospective entrants going in that event might consider this a great opportunity to increase their skill set and their confidence on two wheels prior to this race.
Grudge Kings will see the baddest cars in Australia come together at Ferrers Road to race for the biggest payout in Australian Drag racing. With multiple racing classes to suit all cars from street machines to door slammers. There’s also a huge off-track program with a car show, trade alley, Babe competition, DJ, food trucks and elite car reveal it’s a day not to be missed by the whole family.
Cost. $110.00 includes a snack style lunch and class.
For more information contact Sydney Dragway on (02) 9421 0700 or visit www.sydneydragway.com.au.
Contact Indi at The Fastline Bikademy on 0423 657 585, or indi.tfb@bigpond.com
Riverina Alpine Mountain Bike Open (RAMBO)
Riverina Alpine Mountain Bike Open (RAMBO) Yackandah Sunday 8th July
The Riverina Alpine Mountain Bike Open is interclub Mountain Bike race series based around the north east region of Victoria and includes Wagga and Albury in NSW. The race series is held over the Autumn and Winter months and is based on a three hour or 1.5 hour enduro format. Entries for the Yackandah event can be made online at https://online.mtba.asn.au/ERegister.aspx?E=5547.
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Pomingalarna Reserve, Wagga. Sunday 22 July.
The RAMBO series caters for all levels of riders and is a fun and affordable way to participate in enduro racing and experience a variety of cross country trails in the local area. The event at Pomingalarna Reserve includes a solo three hour event, a pairs three hour, a solo one and a half hour and kids under 15. Series entry is $70 and a single race entry is $25. Registration are from 8.30am with the event kicking off at 10.00am. For further information contact the MTB Wagga President, David Reid on 0437 659 616 or try the MTB Wagga Facebook page.
ON THE COVER THE BEST AUSTRALIAN MADE
HEAVY TRUCK YET Following almost 10 years of development, including more than 10 million kilometres of testing, released in December of 2016, the Kenworth T610 is regarded by Paccar as the company’s “BEST TRUCK YET”.
The T610 represents the largest single investment in product development by Kenworth in Australia to date. It is specifically designed for the Australian road transport market and to withstand the harshest of Australian conditions. Kenworth has built its name on a reputation for durability, reliability and safety. The T610 combines all this with the latest improvements in space, ergonomics and driver comfort. Whilst all Kenworth vehicles are tested to exacting standards, the T610 evaluation included a new bench mark of extended extreme simulated road tests, during which time the cabin was subjected to worst case scenarios of roads in Australia, despite all that was thrown at it, the new cab passed with flying colours. With an enlarged cabin envelope, the doors and door openings are triple sealed, minimising noise and dust, operators will appreciate the build quality every time they shut the doors. Entering through the largest door openings of any Australian built Kenworth, obvious increases in walkthrough space and standing room, will be immediately noticed, the
T610 innovations provide a more spacious interior for the driver, both in moving around the cabin and in the driver’s seat maximising comfort even on the longest trips. The T610 has a 180-degree field of view from the driver’s seat, with an improvement in not only the placement of the mirrors, the A-pillars are further outside the driver’s immediate field of view than any other Kenworth vehicle. Three years were spent developing the state of the art multiplexed dashboard and instrument panel, with the layout of switch gear and controls intuitively located and the dashboard instrumentation visible at a glance.
The dashboard options include a 7-inch touch screen with virtual gauges, internet browser, navigation capability and camera functionality, cabin options include an under-bunk fridge, multiple cupboards and extra storage and hands-free as an option to stay in touch by phone. For enhanced ease of operation, cruise control and audio controls are located on the steering wheel. Everything is positioned to allow the operator to maintain their concentration on the road and reduce fatigue with critical information gauges clear and well laid out. Along with comfort, the work still needs to get
INL AND
TRUCK CENTRES
done and with power ratings up to 600hp and 2.050 LbFt of torque the T610 unleashes premium performance, both aero-dynamic and fuel efficient, it uses the Cummins X15 engine with Advanced Dynamic Efficient Powertrain technology. Both the engine and transmissions are designed to make light work of the heaviest load, whilst maintaining both economy and pulling power. As expected, the vehicle is available with an array of safety options including ABS, ESP, ATC, Trailer Response Management, Lane Departure, Active Cruise with Brake, Drag Torque Control and Fusion Collision Mitigation. The T610 represents great value to the discerning truck buyer priced from $239,745.00 inc GST, the T610 is the result of a culmination of over forty years of Heavy Duty Truck design and engineering right here in Australia. The T610 delivers Kenworth Australia’s most technologically innovative, durable and productive truck yet, designed and manufactured here to meet your own application needs and our toughest Australian conditions and applications. For sales and service contact Inland Truck Centres Wagga Wagga today on 02 69 329900. Inland Truck Centres - Wagga Wagga, “Road Transport, Driving the Riverina”.
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PATH TO PURCHASE
NEW CARS
FOR OLD DRIVERS || BY MATTHEW VANDERMARK Age is something that sneaks up on everyone and reveals itself in various ways – impaired judgement, delayed reaction, slower reflexes, diminished eyesight, reduced hearing, forgetfulness and somniphobia just to name a few. All these are severe problems if the elderly continue to drive without recognising, or accepting, the symptoms no matter how dangerous the consequences may be. There is no designated age in Australia when drivers automatically lose their license. Indeed, some people can drive safely and responsibly well into their 80’s, sometimes even 90’s. Having said all this, many studies indicate that elderly drivers who are physically and mentally fit, are some of the safest on our roads, least likely to speed, drink drive and, overall, commit fewer driving misdemeanours than any other category of driver. It poses the question as to what sort of car should someone in their 70’s or beyond, consider buying. Although I’m a couple of decades short of this landmark, it’s an interesting question to consider. Starting with the basics, I believe the first must have would be an automatic gearbox. Although young, inexperienced drivers seem to perform better when driving a manual because it gives them more focus, older drivers are probably better off without the extra effort and distraction. As mentioned above, when age creeps up our reflexes and reactions slow so the more the driver can concentrate on the general driving environment, the better. Power steering and brakes would be on the must list also, but they come as a standard feature in most cars these days. Size is another important and interesting consideration. This isn’t just about length and width, height is just as relevant and offers many advantages. For instance, even a small, subcompact SUV will most likely offer easier access 4 || FRIDAY 22 JUNE 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
in and out than many sedans. They can also offer a higher, broader perspective for the driver, which isn’t just a benefit for older people, it’s a benefit to all. In addition, SUV’s can have roomier, higher boot spaces which are easier to pack and unload. Then there’s technology. There is so much of it these days it can make your head spin. Much of it is brilliant, but depending on your budget, it might be worthwhile trying to separate between what is helpful, what is nice to have and what is technology you will probably never use, need or understand. Do you really want to be sitting in a cabin that looks more like an airplane cockpit than a car dashboard? That said, technology such as lane departure warning systems, reverse parking cameras and sensors, stability control, parking assist technology and blind spot monitoring I would classify as very helpful. However, if you find the elderly person in question regularly drifts across lanes there might be a problem. Whichever vehicles you shortlist, spend a bit of time playing with the multi-media/communication systems and make sure it has an easy to use and easy to understand interface. Now let’s consider the elephant in the room, accidents. The unfortunate fact is car crashes involving drivers over 75 years of age are more likely to result in a fatality – probably for the simple reason we get frail as we get older. With that in mind, ensure that any vehicle being considered has a Five Star NCAP Safety Rating. Although it’s always important to look after a car, this is the time of a person’s driving career when it’s imperative the vehicle is kept as well maintained and in the best working order as possible. Always get it serviced at the recommended intervals. Little things like keeping the windscreen clean and the headlamps polished for maximum illumination will be helpful.
If I was 75 and looking at cars right now, I’d probably check out some of the smaller SUV’s such as the Mitsubishi ASX, Volkswagen Tiguan and Honda CR-V. I also like the Renault Captur and I’d consider a Subaru Forester. Then there’s a range of well regarded, highly economical sedans, including the Hyundai i30 and the ubiquitous Toyota Corolla to add to the list. But it really comes down to your budget, taste and what functions you want the car to fulfil. On this topic, I wonder why we never see people with grey hair in car advertisements. Is it because they’re not regarded by marketers as aspirational – meaning, I guess, that marketers don’t believe it’s possible to be over 60 and happy. Or is it a simple business reality that marketers would rather spend their advertising dollars appealing to younger people who will possibly buy several new cars in their lives, as opposed to retirees who are more likely to buy one that will see them through to the end of their driving years? Grow old, grow happy and drive smartly.
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THOMAS BROS HAVAL
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Rob Gannon with fellow Rail Heritage Association member, Peter Simpfendorfer, at the Wagga Train Station’s Rail Museum.
KLEPTOMANIA
SECURES WAGGA’S HISTORY || BY MARGUERITE MCKINNON People usually receive a tap on the shoulder followed by a court appearance if they remove property, particularly government property, without permission. But sometimes things can be removed surreptitiously, and the perpetrators can disappear without trace. That’s just what happened for a group of Wagga railway enthusiasts back in the 1980’s. It all happened because railway paraphernalia was being removed from stations around NSW and stored in tunnels under Sydney’s Central Station. However, items considered too bulky for storage were offered at country auctions, including Albury. When current Wagga Wagga Rail Heritage Association Vice President, Rob Gannon, heard some of Wagga’s equipment was being offered at the Albury auction he and another railway employee decided on a plan to save them for posterity. “I knew a couple of rail trikes were among some Wagga items which were going under the hammer and I thought: No way,” Rob said. “I decided to go to Albury and I was joined by a sympathetic colleague who just happened to have a flat top truck with a handy little crane attached.” After spotting the trikes at the Albury auction house, Rob struck up a conversation with two reclamation officers in the shed, distracting them while his mate got the crane and lifted two rail trikes onto the truck. Once Rob got the nod that the deed was done the pair wasted no more time.
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“We got out of there pretty quickly,” Rob said laughing. It wasn’t until the auction later that day that the raid was noticed. “When their auction numbers were called out, no one could find the trikes which had disappeared, so it caused a bit of commotion for a while,” Rob added. The trikes remained hidden for 20 years before the acquisition of the Wagga Wagga Railway Heritage Museum site at Wagga Railway Station. When it became obvious that a safe place for precious rail history had been created, other hidden treasures started coming out of the woodwork. “Eighty per cent of the stuff we have here in the museum we hid 30 years ago,” Rob said. The first donation to the museum was made by former Wagga Mayor, Councillor Gary Hiscock, the day after the museum opened, and included several lamps and a Sunshine wheat bag trolley. Numerous donations have been received since, including photos, paintings, framed prints, books, brochures, fettler’s tools and train crew tools. And the museum is always happy to receive more. The trikes that were smuggled back to Wagga are also on display, but most valued of all are the volunteers who have an encyclopaedic knowledge of everything in the museum. Many are former rail employees and their passion for explaining the stories behind exhibits makes history come alive and transforms a visit to the museum to a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
This year, the Rail Heritage Association expanded to four sites within walking distance. They are the museum on the railway platform, two Gang Sheds on nearby Railway Street, and the historic Rest House, which dates back to 1881. The Gang Sheds house the redeemed railway trikes, along with signs and fettler’s tools, while the Rest House doubles as a club house for both the Association and model train group. The Member for Wagga, Daryl Maguire, and Michael Irons from the Australian Rail Track Corporation are credited with helping to save the old engine driver’s Rest House at 61 Railway Street. The building had been derelict for many years after it was vacated by a car club, but it was subsequently rescued and restored. Rob Gannon said 2018 will see another important milestone reached when an historical anomaly is rectified. “Wagga’s Railway Station has never been officially opened, so there’s going to be a big official opening with all the big wigs coming, and you’re the first to know,” Rob said smiling. Further details on the event will be available in Your Local Wagga Weekly as they are finalised. The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 11.00am until 2.00pm, the Gang Sheds Tuesday to Friday from 10.00am until 2.00pm and the model trains each Wednesday from 6.00pm until 8.30pm as well as on the first Saturday each month from 10.00am until 2.00pm.
BREAKING THE BRAKE
CUTS COSTS || BY BRUCE HARPER
Fuel is expensive, and a significant part of the costs incurred by drivers, yet fuel wasting habits often make this expense much more than it needs to be. Brakes and fuel are opposites. One is a store of chemical energy the car converts to kinetic energy, or motion. The other is designed to extract kinetic energy from the car by converting it to heat and dissipating that heat. Drivers constantly operate with these opposites, often without giving them much thought. But there’s a smart way to manipulate them to reduce the cost factor. Put simply, any application of the brakes is a waste of fuel because the kinetic energy wasted has come from the fuel. Clearly, never using the brakes is not practical or safe, so some fuel will always be wasted. The optimum is to waste as little fuel as practically possible, without dawdling everywhere and being a mobile obstacle. It’s a thinking process to ensure that braking can be light and speeds sustainable. Aggressive acceleration is a waste of fuel also
because the car’s computer will prioritise power and dispense with economy. Most cars today will use almost no fuel when the throttle is closed and as little as possible when driven smoothly. Light applications of accelerator and brake will maximise fuel economy. Braking is only one of three ways to reduce the speed of a vehicle. Action should be taken initially to remove power, then use engine braking by selecting a lower gear, which is a technique used regularly by drivers of heavy vehicles but can be used by anyone. Engine braking is recommended when descending steep hills. Applying the brake pedal is the choice when the first two alternatives don’t slow the vehicle insufficiently. Before brakes are applied, your car should be slowing already, or trying to. When looking well ahead it’s amazing how much braking can be avoided by just letting the car roll down. So why tear away on a green light knowing that ahead there’s a roundabout or traffic for which
you will need to brake. In other words, why acquire so much expensive kinetic energy only to throw it away. Looking well ahead will tell you whether or not the speed you’ve chosen will be sustainable. If it can’t be sustained for a reasonable period, accelerate more slowly and the need to brake will be lessened, a move your wallet will appreciate. Also, why hold your speed then brake strongly when you’re close to a set of lights, an intersection, a roundabout or a stop sign. Slowing early means less braking and less wasted fuel. An indication of late braking is your car springing back on the suspension when coming to a halt. Try braking so that a passenger with eyes closed wouldn’t notice it. To achieve this, reduce pressure on the brake pedal as the car comes to a stop, it’s a skill that’s easy to master and a huge plus for the comfort of your passengers. Going lightly on both pedals is a sign that the driver is not only alert and looking ahead, but also saving money.
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YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 22 JUNE 2018 || 7
A STEAM DREAM IN GREEN
|| BY KIEREN L. TILLY
Sugar cane trains, which are specifically designed to carry cane from the fields to the mill, are usually associated with Queensland, not Wagga.
Eric built the vehicle by hand in his workshop, with the only external input being manufacture of the domes and the cylinder which were cast at Wagga Iron Foundry.
But Vice President of the Wagga Society of Model Engineers, Eric Hill, has turned that on its head with his scale model of a Bundaberg Fowler locomotive more affectionately named Bundy #5. It’s designed on the original sugar cane hauling locomotive preserved at Woodford in Queensland.
It’s impossible to put a price on the blood, sweat, tears and love that is in the end result, but Eric says that if someone was seeking to have such a train built from scratch it would easily cost $100,000.
Resplendent In a green livery, the Wagga model is at the Willans Hill Miniature Railway in the grounds of the Wagga Botanic Gardens. One of several beautifully presented trains travelling the rails, Eric suggests Bundy #5 is a little dirty from running, which, as it’s a working steam train, is to be expected. An engineering company servicing the sugar industry, the Bundaberg Foundry Co Ltd in Bundaberg, Queensland, constructed eight Bundy Fowler locomotives during 1952 and 1953. Built under licence from John Fowler and Co in Leeds, England, the locomotives were highly regarded for their design and practicality. Although the English parent company had stopped production of the locomotives in 1936, the eight built in Bundaberg enjoyed long working lives with the last being removed from service in 1979. However, several still operate including Bundy No.5 which was the star of a TV special, Bundy’s Last Great Adventure in 2000. Eric started building Bundy #5 in 2014 and has taken almost four years to complete the project. The success of the project is reflected in Bundy #5 being award the title of Best Australian Prototype Model earlier this year at the 62nd annual Australian Association of Live Steamers in Bunbury, Western Australia.
Eric began his career with NSW railways in 1965 as a junior station assistant in Griffith. He subsequently worked throughout NSW, rising to be Station Master at Cowra, before a short stint in Wagga and retiring after 42 years of service while at Temora as a First Class Station Master. Now Eric spends a couple of days a week at the Willans Hill Miniature Railway where he enjoys driving the engines and interacting with the kids and parents in an idealic environment. “You can’t beat the gardens for a miniature railway. A lot of clubs are quite envious of our location,” Eric said adding that the Society of Model Engineers is an organisation worth being involved with. “It’s great, we are looking for new people to become part of this great organisation all the time,” he said. Away from Willans Hill, most of Eric’s time is spent in his workshop tinkering and building, working on his next rail project. (Watch this space for future details) Eric might not regard himself as an artist, but what he has created is a work of art in metal and steam and ensures that an appreciation for Australia’s rail heritage continues at Willans Hill. For more information contact the Wagga Wagga Society of Model Engineers on Facebook or ‘phone (02) 69 221 695.
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GIRL TORQUE
ALICE DEBNEY ALICE IN WAGGA LAND “I love this town, if someone told me I had to spend the rest of my working life here I wouldn’t be unhappy, it’s a great place to live and Wagga has a fantastic cycling community”.
|| BY KIEREN L. TILLY
Alice does not train according to kilometres travelled but relates her training to hours a week.
That’s the view of Tolland Cycling Club committee member, Alice Debney, who is juggling a Bachelor of Arts in Agricultural Business Management, working as a geotechnician and serving coffee at Trail St Coffee Shop. Despite the obviously busy life, Alice can be seen on most weekends resplendent in her Tolland Cycling Club jersey competing in a road race. As enjoyable as Wagga and its surrounds might be as a location for cycling, from Alice’s point of view it has one drawback – it’s too flat. “I have found a lack of big hills which means I travel to Adelong and Tumut to chase them. I need as much training on them as I can get,” she said. Initially a mountain bike rider, Alice turned to road racer early last year but well remembers her last outing on a mountain bike in the Albury three hour Riverina Mountain Bike Open (RAMBO) event. Her efforts saw her cross the finish in the local emergency department. “During that event I had a few trees jump out in front of me prior to my accident,” she jokes. While Alice fondly remembers her time careening through the Australian bush racing herself and the clock she has found over time that riding shoulder to shoulder in a peloton is a better fit. “Whether in competition or training in a group there is a real social aspect to riding in a group. There’s a racing speed and a group energy that only comes riding in a tight bunch,” she explained.
“Currently I do around 8 to 12 hours a week,” she said adding that riding fits well with her lifestyle. “The great thing about riding is how easily I can fit it in around my life. I can get up early in the morning and train before going to uni or work. I find I always have a better day when I ride in the morning. I think it’s really good for your mental health,” she said. Alice believes cycling also has the ability to build bridges. “Riding as part of a group you get to meet people from all sorts of backgrounds and careers. You interact with people you might normally not get to meet in your normal day to day.” Not only building bridges locally, Alice’s cycling will soon see her crossing oceans as she heads to the United States and dairy country in the State of Wisconsin. She will be part of the Canberra Women’s Cycling Team in the criterion event, Tour of Americas’ Dairyland, which involves 11 days around various small dairy towns in Wisconsin, travelling through West Bend, Janesville, Port Washington, Shorewood and culminating in Wauwatosa. The Tour of America’s Dairyland is expected to attract over 147,600 attendees to south eastern Wisconsin and generate an estimated $2.4 million in visitor spending in the area. Last year, the event attracted almost 1000 racers from more than 40 US States and 15 countries, with an average of 450 racers competing on each of the 11 days. Although from Melbourne originally, it would appear that as long as Alice is given the opportunity to stay and work in Wagga, local cycling in general, and especially the Tolland Cycling Club, will have a great advocate for a particular lifestyle – road racing cycling.
YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 22 JUNE 2018 || 9
A RACE WITH
TERROR || BY MARGUERITE MCKINNON
It’s rough, it’s tough, it’s dusty, it’s long, it’s fast, it’s tiring, it’s crazy, and it’s definitely not for the faint hearted, especially with the added mix of wild camels, wild donkeys, wild goats and kangaroos roaming along the course. It’s these factors which make the Tatts Finke Desert Race one of the most difficult off-road events in one of the most remote locations in the world, and, for those tackling it on either a motorbike or quadbike, in a car or a buggy, just finishing is an achievement. Run over two days on the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend, hundreds of competitors battle 226 kilometres through desert country from Alice Springs to the small Aboriginal community of Apatula, or Finke as it is more commonly known. They then turn around on the next day and backtrack to Alice Springs, hopefully in one piece. The Finke has been running since 1976 and is one of the biggest annual sporting events in the Northern Territory. This year, the high-speed outback Aussie institution attracted four Wagga locals, Tyson Hodges and his brother Saxon, Tony Long and Clinton Lucas. The four signed up to be among 616 motorbike entrants to attempt the race that many have previously attempted only to fail. The front-runners are deadly serious about collecting kudos and the $10,000 first place, $5000 second place and $2500 third place prize money. Manufacturers, such as KTM, also want
Six-time Finke winner Toby Price celebrating his record win.
their bikes on the podium because a win makes the model and make even more valuable. However, most competitors, just want to survive the return trip; that’s reward enough. Wagga’s best performer, Tyson Hodges, came in at a respectable 93 out of 661 in Class 5 of the 251cc to 450cc fourstroke category. His overall time was 6hrs 20mins, 2hrs 24mins behind winner Toby Price who finished the gruelling course in 3hrs 55mins. Tony Long crossed the line in 180th position in the Class 6 Masters category for 35-to-39 year old’s in a time of 6hrs 50mins and Saxon Hodges placed 190th with an overall time of 6hrs 53mins in the Class 4 up to 250cc Four Stroke, while Clinton Lucas had the most gruelling ride lasting 8hrs 18mins. He crossed the line in 432nd position, beating 229 other competitors from a field where 32 wound up in hospital with fractured arms or legs, dislocated joints, and minor injuries. The overall winner and former Dakar Champion, Toby Price, took out the event for an incredible sixth time on his KTM 500 EXC-F, followed by Alice Springs local, David Walsh, who also rode a KTM 500 EXC-F. Even more remarkable is that Toby attempted to secure a double win after also entering the car division, but had to forfeit when his vehicle suffered mechanical failure.
10 || FRIDAY 22 JUNE 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
Photos Courtasy of Tatts Finke Desert Race Facebook Page
THE JOY OF TORQUE
THE LAST
CAR PARK
“For many seniors, you’re removing their greatest form of independence at a time when they are possibly feeling more isolated and vulnerable than at any time of their lives. “
|| BY MATTHEW VANDERMARK
When great aunty Muriel picked me up from Leeds Station, Yorkshire, in a beautifully maintained Morris Minor, she appeared to be in excellent physical health. She drove confidently through traffic, and as we chatted about my trip, I thought she was in good nick mentally too. Then she approached a roundabout, diligently looked to her left, and drove around it completely the wrong way. After the initial shock passed, I realised the really scary bit was – she was completely oblivious to what could have been a horrendous situation. Taking away an elderly person’s driving licence is a wretched thing to do. For many seniors, you’re removing their greatest form of independence at a time when they are possibly feeling more isolated and vulnerable than at any time of their lives. Partners or lifelong friends might have passed. In the country there may be little or no public transport. It raises the question as to how they will do the shopping, visit friends or get to the doctor for a regular check-up. But although this conversation will be hard, unfortunately time takes its toll on all of us in many ways, including our ability to drive safely. Medications, diminished eyesight (especially at night), slower reaction times, even conditions such as arthritis can affect driving ability. Chief scientist at Britain’s Transport Research Laboratory, Professor Andrew Parkes, says there are two particular lines of evidence that may indicate to elderly drivers that it is time to give up driving. “One is how they feel in the traffic environment. Are they starting to feel more stressed or confused or irritated by the actions of other drivers. “The other is how they feel about the reactions of passengers in their vehicle. They will know whether
their passengers are feeling comfortable, whether they are criticising their driving. It all starts to build a picture which will give early warning signs that something needs to be looked at in more detail.” If you’re a friend or relative of an elderly driver you suspect shouldn’t be behind a steering wheel there are clues that can help passengers identify potential driving problems and behaviour which might indicate it is time to have that awkward chat. When you are in the car with them, try to get a sense of their general and overall awareness to what is happening on the roads around them. Observe their reaction times in sudden and unexpected circumstances, whether they are braking suddenly or hard more often than usual, see if the driver is leaning forward in a way that suggests they might not be seeing, assess whether they’re driving in a comfortable or confident way and evaluate if they seem to be easily irritated and annoyed by the behaviour of other drivers. If you recognise any of these symptoms, it’s really important you do something about it. Not just for their sakes, but everyone else on the road. The best advice I can give is to have the conversation in the most respectful way possible. Perhaps have some examples of previous driving situations and actions that are worrying you. If you believe it will help, bring along someone who is well known to the driver so it isn’t just your opinion. Try explaining that the rate of accidents per mile increases steadily for drivers over 65 and even more of a worry, the death rate in accidents also increases, especially for drivers over 75, mostly as a result of their physical frailty. If you can prepare some suggestions or plans before hand about mobility without their driver’s
licence, then it can be a constructive meeting, as opposed to the more brutal approach of; ‘Time to hand over the keys, Dad’. There is no age in Australia where you have to automatically hand in your driver’s licence, although at 75 you are required by law to have a medical assessment every year to keep your licence. Some people can drive competently into their 80’s – even 90’s. But at least have the conversation with friends or family members if you suspect someone near and dear shouldn’t be on the roads. As for great aunty Muriel – she knocked over a cyclist not long after I had left the UK, again without realising. The cyclist (thankfully not hurt) got back on his bike, pursued her to the next set of traffic lights, knocked on the window and explained what had just happened. She was mortified and literally stopped driving on that day. She was lucky, the cyclist luckier, but it could have ended so much worse. SPEEDO ERROR Bruce Harper from Wagga wrote a great article recently about Speedo Error (Weekly Torque Issue 8 Friday 8th June, Page 15). I can confirm that in three vehicles I drove recently, the speedo varied considerably. I drove them all with the car speedo set at exactly at 100kph and cross checked it with one of the many speed apps available for smart phones. According to the app, the Amorok ute was travelling at 93kph, a Honda MDX at 96kph and the most accurate of all, a 15-year-old Commodore, was doing exactly 100kph, as measured by the speedo.
YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 22 JUNE 2018 || 11
WAGGA WAGGA VETERAN & VINTAGE MOTOR CLUB INC.
2018 ANNUAL JUNE RALLY 10 JUNE 2018, LUNCH AT EURONGILLY HALL
JOSEF WINKLER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ADAM WILSON – GREYBOX IMAGES
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PULL OUT POSTER of local MTB rider Josef Winkler Poster and above image - courtesy of Greybox Images.
MOUNTAIN BIKES PROVIDE THE HIGH LIFE || BY JOSEF WINKLER Mountain bike riding is one of the most exhilarating, adrenaline rushing experience around. It’s so good and creates such a high, it’s a wonder it hasn’t been made illegal.
Although my time competing in races is short, I still bring plenty of experience and energy into the sport, putting 100 per cent into training rides and helping anyone out on the trail.
I’m just one of the many local mountain bikers in the Wagga area, and, as a 19-year-old life long local, I’m well up on the best places to test your mountain bike skills.
My current bike is a Specialized Chisel Comp, which is one of specialised lightweight alloy cross country hardtails. Although it’s only eight weeks old I’ve clocked up around 900km.
To give you a bit of background, I’ve been riding mountain bikes for four years and have been racing for around three years, but I jump on the bike just to keep fit whenever my other passion at Riverina Wool Testers allows the time.
For those who are technically minded, it runs 29-inch (approx. 74 cms) wheels with specialised Fast Trak tyres. I currently run 2x10 with a front 22/36 with my cassette being 11/36. My stem is 90mm long with a minus six drop and 720mm wide bars along with RockShox Judy forks, which have 100mm of travel. For an alloy bike the weight is quite impressive coming in at around 10kg, including XT pedals. I’m very thankful for the support I receive from many companies such as Pedalit, Acium Sports, the local, Kidsons Cycles, and Aussie Butt Cream, just to name a few.
But to get back to the crux of the numerous reasons I enjoy mountain biking. As mentioned, the adrenaline rush which comes from being free to do what you want as fast as possible is probably at the top of the list. Riding some trails that aren’t even a meter wide at speeds varying between 30km/h and 50km/h can only be described as a white-knuckle experience. The other great attraction is bikes keep you socially active and you meet a wide range of new people who love the exact same thing as you – bikes. And all this comes while being involved in an activity that keeps you fit. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been riding, or your skill level, bike riding is fun and healthy for your body. Even a regular ride to and from work will improve your fitness, as well as your technical ability.
Photo courtesy of Josef Winkler.
In future editions of Torque, I’ll bring all things bike related, upcoming events, latest racing news and bike maintenance, as well as issues associated with cycling. The next few races coming up are in Victoria at Bright on Sunday 24 June at Mystic MTB Park and at Yakandandah on 8th July while in Wagga the Riverina Mountain Bike Open (RAMBO) event will be on 22 July at Pomingalarna Reserve. Registrations for the RAMBO event can be made on Wagga’s MTB Facebook page. So until next time, go riding and enjoying yourselves.
Photo courtesy of Josef Winkler. YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 22 JUNE 2018 || 15
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