Alice to Darwin National VR4 event/cruise/meet 2010

[Dr_Josh001]

This was originally suggested by Kat (Kitty's VR4) so I thought I would throw this up too see how much interest we get. I'm thinking mid year during the dry as motorsport events are in full swing and that way we can time it for a drags night or track day at hidden Valley. Any thoughts?:)

[dimi_108]

Talk about planning ahead hehe 2010!?

[Dr_Josh001]

Yeah I know but seeing it's a major event involving minimum of 1 week on the road and it won't be cheap either, it's just good to see who's keen and who's commited.:)

[pu-11-me]

Bit too hectic for me Dr J :redface:

I thought you would have moved back to Bris Vegas by then anyway?

[Kitty's VR4]

I'm committed, probably closer 10-14 day trip, like the addage says you'll never never know if you never never go, we have the best back yard in the world, this trip would be an awesome corner of our backyard. Perhaps we could combine a couple of workshops. Raise some money for a worthy charity along the way....

Logistically it will take some organising, hence the 2nd half of 2010 date.

SO WHOSE INTERESTED????????

[um318r]

Yea i'm committed it will be Awsome.

[Dr_Josh001]

Bit too hectic for me Dr J :redface:

I thought you would have moved back to Bris Vegas by then anyway?

The way things are looking we'll be here for a few more years. Local Gov't and councils are constantly pushing development despite the economy. Good for the business.

Great start already guys!! Keep em coming!

[gorgath]

Nice plan and I am interested but I couldn't say that I will come or not either.





*gorgath is pondering what if you broke down in the middle of nowhere?:eek:*

[Kitty's VR4]

Nudge (aka Santa) has pledged to bring his "Cayenne S" and a car trailer as a support vehicle for just such an event, will get you to a TNT depot for the return trip home, part of the logistics required....... If anyone is unlucky enough to have a failure I'm sure that other members will step up to the plate so you can continue with us, by the time you get back your broken beast will be waiting for you at home.

[pu-11-me]

I've been out in the sticks (yes, even more further out in the sticks than Tamworth!!) and its not as bad these days as you may think. I spent a lot of time at Camerons Corner and that district when i was a kid :D

As long as you have the essentials (Water, UHF, Phone that may possibly work, a spare tyre or 2 and travelling partners) you will be fine.... You lot will probably just stick to the highways anyway haha

[Dr_Josh001]

Nudge (aka Santa) has pledged to bring his "Cayenne S" and a car trailer as a support vehicle for just such an event, will get you to a TNT depot for the return trip home, part of the logistics required....... If anyone is unlucky enough to have a failure I'm sure that other members will step up to the plate so you can continue with us, by the time you get back your broken beast will be waiting for you at home.

This is looking sensational already!!! The trailer idea is awesome with not having to wait for a tow truck. BTW I pledge my back yard for those wanting to save $$$ and pitch a tent.


I've been out in the sticks (yes, even more further out in the sticks than Tamworth!!) and its not as bad these days as you may think. I spent a lot of time at Camerons Corner and that district when i was a kid :D

As long as you have the essentials (Water, UHF, Phone that may possibly work, a spare tyre or 2 and travelling partners) you will be fine.... You lot will probably just stick to the highways anyway haha

Yep, mobile coverage is pretty well constant on the Stuart Hwy. Usually problems rear their ugly heads on short local driving so a good highway trip would do our cars a lot of good.:)

[Kitty's VR4]

Just on mobile coverage, Vodafone and Optus coverage is limited i.e. Alice Springs Yes, then dead till Tennant Creek then dead till Katherine then dead till Darwin, there is coverage in both Litchfield and Kakadu Parks. As long as we travel as a convoy with support Vehicle in rear (nudge has sat fone and uhf).

Biggest concern I see is 98 Octane Fuel, but if we all have 2x20litre jerry cans it will be ok.... just incase servo's have run out so we can make the next servo, additionally use the jerrycans for where the cost of fuel is BS some road houses charge $2.00+ per litre. Nudge's car trailer has a rack on the front that he carries his race tyres on... I'd say it could handle 15-20 jerry cans, will confirm this and let you know..

[pu-11-me]

Biggest concern I see is 98 Octane Fuel, but if we all have 2x20litre jerry cans it will be ok.... just incase servo's have run out so we can make the next servo, additionally use the jerrycans for where the cost of fuel is BS some road houses charge $2.00+ per litre. Nudge's car trailer has a rack on the front that he carries his race tyres on... I'd say it could handle 15-20 jerry cans, will confirm this and let you know..

Octane Booster? :happywank:

These cars will run on 91 octane too, but its just not good for them with prolonged use....

Sounds like you guys are really getting into this one! Would be awesome to see it go ahead :bigsmile:

[Kitty's VR4]

Has there been a National VR4 event yet?????

[leebutts]

If I live in AU and own a VR4 I'll be there :)

[tommo]

I will be there and may be able to bring another support vehicle as well if needed. I wont have a full car trailer just a half trailer (for the front wheels then drag the other set). I will have a VR4 Leggie by then!!!! I can organize for the SA crew to get to Alice from here it would probably be good if someone from each state would be able to do the same for their state.

[Dr_Josh001]

Great idea Tommo; to have a facilitator to each state. ***Puts hand up for NT***:)

[tommo]

I should be able to bring a tool kit and do a few small repairs but ppl will have to bring the spares. Mostly hoses and belts. I will be able to bring the basic recovery kit ie. 2-3 of all the belts, oil, filters, spark plug leads, alternator and coolant hoses. As most of us will be wagons we should be able to fit a small tub of spares. if anyone has a set of stockies I should be able to get a new set of tyres to suit so anyone with a flat can use if Nudge can hold a few on his trailer (if he comes).

[Kitty's VR4]

LoL Tommo,

Nudge will definitely be there, he loves the territory and never misses an op to get up there, we have just got back from a 5 week run up there, took his new toy up to run it in. Also confirmed there is actually 2 racks on front of trailer, he says will take 16 jerry cans and a set of tyres....

[weeaazz]

make it for march,hopefully we can get up their for the run off,lol,if i still have my leggy or at least any car that fits my baitcasters ill try come.

i love darwin

[Kitty's VR4]

James, March is still wet season, so sorry but that isn't a possibility............

[tommo]

Hows November or late October?

[Kitty's VR4]

Yea, yes, last 2weeks of october and the first week of november would be ok (known as troppo time- brains fry and people go skitz) but if we go any later than that we risk going into the next wet season........

There is a problem scenery wise if we go really late in the dry (ie troppo time) being very little water flow in most of the major waterfalls and waterways..... + 40 in the shade and 28-30 overnight lows (personally troppo is my favourite time of year up there- brings out the rum pig in me)

Dr. Josh whats your call (I know your keen on high season..June-July)

[tommo]

If it is going to be that hot most of the cars will be struggling to keep cool. How wet is it in june or july? Wet isnt a problem unless it floods or we come across huge amounts of unsealed roads.

[Kitty's VR4]

The dry season start in April and ends Novemberish, June July average day temps are around 22 in alice and 30 in darwin, average daily lows are about 5 in alice and about 21 in darwin, there is virtually no chance of rain in June July....

[Dr_Josh001]

Here's my thoughts on the different months:

June is most likely the most expensive time of year to stay and the hardest time to find accommodation because of the V8supercars. So prolly give June a wide birth.

If you want comfort when it's not too hot and sticky I was thinking July-Sep just before the build up when the humidity is lower. Motorsport events are in full swing as are Mildil Beach markets. It's a beautiful time to get out on the water and the fish are biting! (Sorry guys I don't have a boat). Swimming holes in Litchfield and Katherine are still flowing quite nicely during the dry and are quite theraputic after a full day of driving.:)

October is the cheapest for accommodation but this is when the buildup starts and the temperatures are in the mid 30's. This is also when the odd storm crops up from nowhere and are good at ruining track/drag events (but are extemely entertaining all the same).

I guess this mostly comes down to who is available at what time. I'm pretty flexible as I own a business and given enough notice I can get time off whenever.

[Kitty's VR4]

yes, buildup (aka tropo time) is awesome for those thunder storms...... visually impressive..... the territory has something for everyone..... cant wait to see the participants faces after the drive from alice when they arrive at mataranka as they land in the thermal spings and backup to the homestead bar, if that isn't heaven i don't know what is.....

[Dr_Josh001]

make it for march,hopefully we can get up their for the run off,lol,if i still have my leggy or at least any car that fits my baitcasters ill try come.

i love darwin

Sorry mate we couldn't catch up; I was flat chat that whole week you got back from Kakadu. Hope you had a top time when you were here.

Josh:)

[weeaazz]

best week ever,i went first week of november and i dont think it rained once,it was so hot and i didnt realise night time could even be that hot but thats why i loved it,and still caught 52 barra in a day and a half so cant complain

i am trying to get back up for the run off in a couple months,wait tilll i get that call then book a last minute flight

[happymatch]

hmm. it will be good. I think it would be a good idea to have a committie for this event.

Someone to find us a sponsor. maybe we can do it for a cancer council or something to raise money and have full support of locals and all that.,

medical team (we might get sick someont to prepare the basic medical kit and medication, emergency contact on the area we are in and all that),

mechanical team,

managing team (who finds hotels, fuels and food), we can sleep in our cars too actually..

Media team who can take some good quality photo's,

advance team (in turns.. a car or two in turns to drive ahead and see what is ahead lieka flood, bush fire and all that)

by the way.. my wife and kids will not be happy..might have to send them overseas....

[tommo]

1 For the Mechanical Team

Maybe one person for each job from each state then on the trek too alice there will be one of each to guide and help were needed.

[Connor]

I would seriously consider this trip, and to be honest I would drive to Adelaide first and then through to Alice then Darwin. Probably look at going over to Cairns and back down through Brissy to get home. Much bigger trip, but if I'm taking time off work to do it I may as well do it properly :)

Depends how many of you I meet before then, and if I like your ugly mugs :P haha

[ygoslo]

I like the concept, but I'm sorry to say I hate the location. I won't be driving to Darwin sorry. Biggest issue for me is the heat - I'm not keen on taking my car to a track day in 30+ degree heat. There's also the distance thing.

A lot of clubs have national meets in Shepparton/Benalla. The Falcon Cobra club had one last year, and the Skyline Nationals were held there as well. Cheap and plentiful accommodation, 2 motorsport facilities (DECA in Shep and Winton near Benalla, 3 if you count Heathcote which is only an hour or so away), and reasonable access for people in Victoria, NSW and SA. I'd attend that for sure. Organise it so you have a driver training event at DECA on the Saturday and a track day at Winton on the Sunday. Heaven.

[Dr_Josh001]

Tim, The track day thing was more of a bonus event thing for the more enthusiastic of the car enthusiasts to do up here. If we hold this event in July or Aug post V8 supercar accommodation shouldn't be too exy and not hard to come by. Heat is also not that unbearable at this time of year; low 30's at 20% humidity. This event is more of a cruise based event to show the rugged beauty of Northern Australia and to get out of those smogged up cities and get some fresh air. But if that's not your thing then that's cool dude.:)

[ygoslo]

Yeah that's cool. Hope you guys can make it a success! If nothing else, it sets the groundwork for similar events in future!

[6a13ttfto]

hey guys i would defently love meeting lots of you i am in darwin so not much of a cruise for me. i would love to come along if you let me i own a fto but it has a vr4 motor in it.

HOpe this happens

cheers mitch

[Connor]

I was meaning to post in this thread.

Mitch, I think everyone will be happy just to meet a fellow member regardless of the car they drive. Seriously, we just have a big FTO engine/little GTO engine, depends how you look at it :D

Kat and Nudge, as I've said in another thread I am accruing as much leave as I can for this and still intend to start from Adelaide, maybe even via Melbourne for a car wash meet :) So you have at least one definite addition to your cruise. Hell, even if my car really screws up I'll get a hire car to come along, I don't care!

I am happy to chip in with the spare parts bin, so if 2 of us have spare belts, etc. I should still have a spare set of PFL rims with rubber at the time of the trip so I can take all 4 if required. The only problem is if everyone has 17's or 18's my 16's will be useless as spares, haha. If you ever want to discuss stuff at Goulburn Workers Club or anything let me know, I promise I won't take a piss on anyone's head in the mens room. No, wait, my surname isn't Carney...

[6a13ttfto]

sweet i reckon this should be done this year haha NT has no cruises for anybody it sucks so bad haha.

[Kitty's VR4]

Ummm, Connor..... lol

Mitch, this is a big event to swing and numbers will determine it success, we'll be up there in October when I'll be doing alot of the leg work involved in making this happen, I'll keep you posted on progress.

Dr. Josh (our other Territorian) and I will be meeting up for a mini event while we're up there, happy to have you join us, will be at Crustations on the wharf and then to Kitty O'Shea's to damage brain cells, can we count you in??

[6a13ttfto]

yeah defently count me in. yeah josh and me are mates love his car.

My car is currently at our local peformance taking for ever to change the motor which i have built and got ready for them.

Just give josh and me a message closer to the date i may loose my liscense before then damn cops. Josh can drive my car hehe

[Dr_Josh001]

Yahoo! Looks like support is growing... thanks Connor for wanting to plan your leave like that!

Sounds like a triple date! We'll need a designated driver tho; I know, my wifey!;) She'll keep me in line. Just kidding; I'm actually not a huge drinker, but I'll down a couple of shots in moderation!:bigsmile:

[6a13ttfto]

haha well josh i cant drink to much as my gf cant drive haha doesnt have her lisence yet man. So i would be happy 2 be but um not much room in my car hah and might not even be able to drive haha.

sounds like a plan is coming togther,

[Connor]

*fears for his life with a mega bump*

So. After talking with Kat and Nudge in the snow, we're not too sure if anything of this nature is going ahead! It's a bastard of a thing to organise, and as everyone would know trying to organise a 1 day cruise 2 months beforehand is hard enough let alone a week long cruise :)

I am saving my leave up and I will be doing something in this timeframe. Whether I end up doing Central and North Australia or skip across the Tasman and do a 3 week trip of Tassie I don't care. It'd be nice if we got the interest up for this trip, otherwise I'll be diverting my attention to planning my own little holiday.

And I read a story about how many people poo on the top of Ularu and was grossed out...

[Dr_Josh001]

I guess it was something to put out there and see what interest it gets. I still think it would be worth while if we can get maybe at least 4 cars.

Anyways if anyone is coming to the top end and would like somewhere to stay for a few nights they are more than welcome provided house rules are adhered to: have a shower at least once a day, no smoking, no swearing!:wink:

[Kitty's VR4]

We're doing a trip up leaving 11 Oct 2010, taking 10 days to get to Darwin, Via Broken Hill and Alice Springs> (Kings Canyon-Uluru back to Alice, then Mataranka, Katherine Gorge, Litchfield, Kakadu> Darwin). After Darwin heading for Broome via Kimberleys..... 35 day round trip, but happy for company on the first leg if the breaks to long for you Connor