Mount 'N' Ride High Country Adventure
By, Trevor Hedge

The bike I was given to ride for the duration was a new KTM 640 LC4, which make up the majority of Mount n Ride's fleet. They also have smaller XT 250 Yamaha's for the less experienced. All the bikes are in excellent condition and have electric start.

The plan for the first day was to cover around 300 kilometres in the dirt before staying in Omeo for the night. It was a little wet and foggy during the morning which made us take a slightly easier route than what we might have done but we still had a great day sliding the bikes around anyway. 

Peter Newell is the man in charge and tailors the terrain to what the customers want at that point in time and knows the country like the back of his hand and thus was able to ensure that none of us got into any trouble in the slippery conditions.

As is normally the case when undertaking such adventures we met up with a couple of other bikers that night and it was decided that they would tag along for the next day. They were both BMW mounted so had a harder time ahead of them in the dirt than what us KTM mounted riders could look forward to.

The second day started out great with clearer skies and some sportsbike hunting along the tight twisties out of Omeo, along this type of hairpin terrain something like a big bore trailie is king and sportsbikes are prey. Had an absolute ball.

Off into the dirt and more fun begins. Lots of uphills and downhills with some splashing through puddles and one very interesting river crossing which saw both BMWs become water-cooled for a little while. (see photos) The river crossing was one of my favourite parts, any excuse to get wet on a trail bike is good enough for me.

After lots of dirt work we came out on the Alpine way to Khancoban, more tight corners and lots of fun. We headed up a track to check out a lookout that was signposted as being around 10 kilometres from the road. After stopping briefly to have a quick word we set off again. So I took off through, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and then throttle stuck wide open...On with the brakes while trying to choose a line (the options were over the edge of a cliff or into a ragged stony wall), I chose the stony wall. I locked up the front to try and scrub off some speed and chose to low side it on the track. Got up and checked to see if anything was broken as the pain hadn't really fully set in, yet... Luckily no broken bones but lots of cuts and very deep bruising.

We removed the tank to see that the KTMs push-pull throttle system had vibrated loose and the part which was meant to close the throttle had came off it's reel which of course left me with no way to close the throttle. I know I should have hit the kill switch and pulled in the clutch but when heading for a cliff edge or ragged stony wall and life flashing before your eyes the brain tends to get a little muddled and it happened very quickly. I just thank my lucky stars that I only had a few weeks of pain to get over rather than some really serious injuries.

The machine failure was no fault of the tour operators as the bikes were basically new. If you have a 640 LC4 may I suggest loctiting the return cable in place on the reel end NOW... 

So that night I made the Khancoban pub in a sore and sorry state. A good dinner washed down with a few beers and we were set to go again in the morning. 

Due to my soreness I elected to convince the tour operator to head back mainly on the tar rather than the dirt as I was a bit black and blue in places. So the last day of the 3-day jaunt involved around 400 kilometres mainly on the tar but the scenery was again magnificent. 

Mount 'N' Ride conduct 1 to 3 day organised tours through some wonderful Victorian mountain country.  They can also tailor a tour to suit you and your mates if that is what you desire.  The prices are incredibly reasonable, how does an escorted day aboard a KTM 640 LC4 for only $218 grab you!  2 day prices with Twin Share Accommodation, fuel and meals are only $458 and the 3 day $742.  Remember, you don't have to put your hand in your pocket at all so this is great value for money.  Corporate tours can also be catered for.

Tag-A-Long tours are also catered for where you can take your own bike along but let Peter lead the way and organise the adventure.  1 day escorted tours are $120, 2 day $310 and 3 day $480, these prices also include fuel, meals and accommodation.

Peter Newell can be contacted on 03 5192 4380 and can answer any queries you have on Mount 'N' Ride's discovery tours. 

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Road near Dargo Pub