Hotham - Buller

[Michael2]

Just completed a Hotham to Buller run.

We did Blue Rag, then through to Wonangatta on Saturday, then out to Mt Howitt, Bluff, Bindarree, Stirling, then Buller via the Corn Hill Track. We met up the the North West Vic AULRO boys & girls at Blue Rag :).

Forecast was galeforce winds and snow above 1600m, but we had still sunny days with a clear crispy night.

4 Defenders (3x 300Tdi & 1 x PUMA) and a D3. The D3 suffered 3 simultaneous punctures (slashed side walls) at the top of the Zeka Spur track and Howitt Rd. Very fortunate that that section of the Howitt Rd is 2WD access to Licola. The Defenders continued on, but the D3 had to be flat bedded down.

Photos to follow when the D3 gets back with the camera.

In the mean time -

(1) what tyre pressures do you run on 18" D3 Wheels for off roading?
(2) does anyone have a contact for good prices on 18" AT tyres?
(2a) does anyone have a set of 18" D3 suitable tyres for sale?

Thanks for any input, and I'll get back with pics in a couple of days.

- Michael

[hiline]

PM sent in regards to the tyres ;)

[decibelcore]

Good to meet you all on the track, at Blue Rag, and glad you all had a good trip (apart from the punctures, What tyres did you have?)
See you out there again sometime!

Decibelcore

[Michael2]

I think the D3 had Bridgestone AT tyres with a slightly higher profile. The tow truck and tyre places in Gippsland, where the car is till tomorrow, have apparently said they've had quite a few failures with those tyres, and they recommended Yokohamas or Pirellis. I can supply more detail when the D3 gets back and I ask the driver.

On the upside - his insurance company is covering tyre & rim damage.

[Michael2]

I think the D3 had Bridgestone AT tyres with a slightly higher profile. ...

Oops!!!

The damaged tyres were Good Years, not Bridgestones. Sorry to misinform. They got replaced with Yokohamas.

Now to get some pics posted.

[Michael2]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/05/413.jpg (javascript:void(0);)

on the way up, still one more Defender to rendezvous with.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/05/414.jpg (javascript:void(0);)
Blue Rag Ridge Track

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/05/415.jpg (javascript:void(0);)

hill descent with creative licence on the camera angle

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/05/416.jpg (javascript:void(0);)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/05/417.jpg (javascript:void(0);)
matchstick forest post bush fires

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/05/418.jpg (javascript:void(0);)
the gang

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/05/419.jpg (javascript:void(0);)
D3 Sidewall damage

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/05/405.jpg (javascript:void(0);)

King Billy Track look out

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/05/420.jpg (javascript:void(0);)

Bluff Hut

(javascript:void(0);)

[hiline]

how good does the Bluff Hut look :D;)

[Michael2]

how good does the Bluff Hut look :D;)

I remember when it was two storey at the back, and had a loft at the front, and there were always emergency provisions. It even had a sauna room at the back!!

[Bushie]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/05/405.jpg (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:void%280%29;)

King Billy Track look out




So that's what it looks like out of the fog :D:D

Will have to go back and have another look myself


Martyn

[Piddler]

Great images congrats,
would like to see some more.

Cheers

[Michael2]

Great images congrats,
would like to see some more.

Cheers

more photos on this link Hotham - Buller 09 pictures by konstantinoufamily - Photobucket (http://s197.photobucket.com/albums/aa258/konstantinoufamily/Hotham%20-%20Buller%2009/'start=all)

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