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Welcome to the
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OVFIRE
Variety Fire Truck |
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OV12 is a Brisbane
Queensland entrant in Variety Clubs Charity Bash events
that
helps raise funds for sick children
2008
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Day 1, Toowoomba to Casino
well, we survived the first day and the truck as well.
The night before we left, all the Bashers were in a
large hall for the official meeting. When
you saw all the Bashers in one room it was an
awesome sight. It was over 600 people from all walks of life.
Everyone was introduced to what Variety does
for the kids from Queensland as they donated Sunshine Coaches,
computers and games to some of the disadvantaged and
disabled kids from the local area.
Of course it was an early night/morning as we had to leave
at 6.30, before the official start as we were the first check
point. Also we couldn't drive through the start archway because
it was on top of a shopping centre and it had a load limit a lot less
to what the truck weighs so we walked through the archway in the
position that we would of been in the truck.
Once we set up the check point and the 215 cars started coming
through it got real busy but at least we saw the entire fleet on
the first day. Trev was chatting to everybody and holding up the whole
fleet but no one complained. Once we finished our duties, we followed
the fleet on the bash route and a lot of the local kids was on the
side of the road cheering us on. Even though it was school holidays
we stopped at a school named Yangan and visited the kids and had
some smoko with them. They were great to us and asked lots of questions.
By now we were last on the bash had finally got to another school,
Maroon,were we had lunch at 3.00 o'clock. It was great they waited
Because we were so late we decided to go on the direct route to Casino,
115km, but of course that didn't happen. The new Navman made sure
of that. Silly us listened to it and the one and half hour journey
turned into nearly four hours. Don't ask where we went because we
don't know either. Very nice scenery though. The virgin basher, Mike
made comment that he had a great day
and was not expecting what we did and where we took the truck.
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Day 2 Casino - Dorrigo
This morning at breakfast we ran into some old bash friends from last year's
bash, Rio and Ray who asked us if we could take some of their Cousins and
Nieces for a drive in the Fire Truck, which of course we did with pleasure.
The kids had a ball and the residents in the local area waved and cheered at
the kids.
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Time to go mike! |
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When we finally returned all the bashers had left and we were the last to
leave. Today we were told to avoid the morning Bash run as the road
conditions would not be too good for heavy vehicles , so we went direct to
the lunch stop at Tenterfield. The highlight of the drive to lunch was we
came across Mad Max , The Road Worrier, stopped in the middle of nowhere for
an ice cream. The look of excitement on Trev's face about having an ice
cream made our day but when he found out the ice cream machine was not
working, bitter disappointment and despair. It was a day of mixed emotions.
Better luck next time Trev !!!
I want a choc top and I want it NOW! |
Come back with Trev's choc top! |
Just be happy he's not talking! |
After a very quick lunch at Tenterfield we had to head off as we had
official duties to carry out in the afternoon run. We where check point
about 90kms out from Dorrigo, but had to travel 187 kms through some of the
most scenic surroundings I have driven through in a long time. It was slow
going as you may see from some of the photos, some very narrow roads and
very steep climbs and descents. On the way Variety said to stop at a local
Hotel, Deepwater Inn, to have a passport stop where the locals just wanted
to talk and find out what Variety and the Fire truck was all about.
The check point went on and on and on until 9.30 at night. We didn't get
into Dorrigo until 11.15 but they did keep some dinner for us LUCKY for
them!!!
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Official
Announcement
Ladies and Ladies ,
it is
with regret we announce that Dave is no longer on the
market , we
are sorry but you cant stop Lurve!
Happy what
evers Dave!
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Day 3 Dorrigo to Barraba.
Mike (Let me down) is going to be
doing
this day. A day through a Virgin bashers eyes.
G'day all,
One from the "rookies" desk.
We left beautiful Dorrigo with the threat of rain bearing
down on
us. The
thought of driving through a mountainous region again, but
only this
time on
wet roads, was a little daunting but all in a day's work for
Trev.
Brekkie
was great again and provided by the fantastic Community
service
clubs of
Dorrigo. A very big cheer for the locals, six hundred
visitors all
eating at
one time and all needing to leave in a hurry is no easy feat
but
like most
small communities everyone rallies.
We moved out with visiting Navigator, Sherry of "JAMIT" (a
graphic
design
company) in the front with Trev at the wheel. All
competitors made
the
first stop at Guy Fawkes National Park and took in the great
views
of the
falls and surroundings. It was also an opportunity for a bit
of
payback.
When do you think these other Bashers will realise you don't
go into
a water
fight with a little water pistol when your opponent, OV12,
has a
tank with
nearly 2000lts of water and a high pressure pump. Another
slaughter
delivered by the firies.
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| Hello
where
are we? |
Pertty! |
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Smile
with
your teeth Trev! |
We pushed on through the day fairly uneventful until we came
to
Green Valley
Tourist Park. This place is a OH&S auditor's nightmare.
Every ride
is
handmade and looks like they were made by someone's granddad
but
talk about
fun. A real throw back to the days before lawyers ever
uttered the
words "
liability".
We had another check point to do in the afternoon just
outside
Barraba. This turned out to be so much fun. We set up a
little hose
and nozzle and I stood out of sight from the bashers coming
past.
Dave stopped the bashers on the driver's side to stamp their
passport and he asked them if they had any bribes for the
officials.
To my surprise most of them gave some sought of bribe and
the ones
that didn't, Dave gave me the nod and I came out of hiding
on the
passengers side, hosing them through the windows. This time
we had
an early 5pm finish.
Hiding in front of
the truck to hose competitors
The day continued on until we finally reached our
destination of the
town
that time forgot, Barraba. Our "DIGGS" were at a local
backpackers
that had seen better days. To give you an idea the last
backpacker
was there in 2005.
After Trev fixed the slats in his bed and we all finally
showered it
was
time for the street party. The main street was closed off
for
Variety.
Barraba turned it on with the "BUDDY"( Buddy Holly) show
taking up
centre stage. The band entertained the "bashers" and locals
alike
and a good time was had by all. A lot of new dance moves by
the
bashers were tried out on the locals with mixed results.
Some loved
the clown others thought it a bit " Brokeback Mountain".
Another day
gone and heaps to go. Until next time........the rookie.
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Funny looking Emu's
Is that a dust
bunny?
Look all I am saying is a
few drinks and maybe dinner
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Day 4
Barraba to
Mudgee
After a great night of
entertainment in
Barraba, we started to head off for
our days trek when a huge thunder storm hit in the morning.
We had
just
started when the sky opened up and it bucketed down. The
roads
became very slippery and the water was starting to get deep
in some
parts. As a team we decided to come of the bash route
because it was
getting a bit too boggy and slippery for us and go direct
via
bitumen to Mudgee which was about 300kms away. This decision
was the
right one as we saw a couple of cars lose control and spin
around in
the mud at slow speed. Lucky it was a public holiday and we
had no
schools to go and visit.
The truck has developed a problem of overheating after about
an hour
of
driving. I believe it could be a head gasket. When the temp
starts
to go up,
we have to stop and put some water back in the radiator.
Tomorrow we
drop in at Bathurst and hopefully I can temporarily repair
it. If
not we just have to keep stopping and fill the radiator.
When we arrived in at Mudgee the sun was out and the
accommodation
we stayed in was so nice. We were in that early, we even
done some
much needed washing and even then ......there was time to
relax.
Which doesn't happen much on the bash. We are recharged now.
All the bash cars came in safe with no real dramas, but they
were
very
muddy.
They are predicting rain again tomorrow so we will see what
happens.
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A day in the life of a
virgin basher
I miss my emu
She was so fluffy and nice
Busted!
Your TEAM mates can always be
trusted ,
kind of! |
Its a dogs life |
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Day 5 Mudgee
to
Cowra
Today we had official duties to carry out so we had
to go direct to the lunch stop which was at Bathurst.
We had to check the whole field in and keep them all
together at a sports ground on the out skirts of Bathurst.
Everyone knew that the whole Variety Bash was about to
do a complete lap of the Mount Panorama circuit.
You could tell everybody was getting excited about what
we had to do (don't forget they are car mad this lot of
bashers).
Finally when all the cars were in, the bash field was told
to line up and start moving, well the atmosphere was so
electric
that you could tell this is what a lot of them have been
waiting
for.
As the line of vehicles (a very big line 215 vehicles) made
their
way through town all the locals
cheered and waved and I think some of
them even
thought what the!!! The track was
closed but Variety had permission to do a
lap.
The line was so big that we took up the
whole track with some still out in the
street
waiting to get onto the track. This of course
created a bit of a traffic jam at the end
of the
main straight.
I was the one that had the privilege to
drive
around the circuit
so I would like to thank my other team members for giving me
that
privilege. I enjoyed
it so much. It was the high light for me
of the
bash so far. Mike took a great opportunity
to travel around the circuit in an open
cab fire
truck which when we saw him again he was
over the moon. By the way when we
did see him he
was coming off the track after completing
the lap as we were just about to enter
the track.
So Mike jumped back into OV12 and did another lap.
At the bottom of the main straight the Four X Retreat was
there and
opened
to just Variety. For those who haven't had the Email of this
Four X
Retreat
it is a truck (B double) which open out to be a pub. It was
awesome.
This is where we had lunch.
The afternoon section was just a quick one and we had some
visitors
on the
truck. A firie from Proserpine Debbie and her friend Angie
but we
had
trouble with the truck, the head gasket was getting worse
and I
found traces
of water in the oil. NOT GOOD. We decided to go straight to
Cowra so
we
could work on the truck. We had to flush the radiator out
and put
some
product called "seal it" in. This is what everyone is
telling me
will work.
Hope so. We will know tomorrow if it works and if not, we
might have
to make
a huge decision whether to carry on with the bash and risk
making it
back to
Brissy or limp the old girl home now. To be advised. Fingers
crossed.
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All hail the king of the mountain!
Not once but TWICE!
Who's got wind?
Wind Farm!
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Day 6 Cowra - Temora
We had a team meeting in the morning to decide if we were going to continue
on the bash. It was decided to keep going and not push the truck as much as
we have already done. We checked the days running sheet and it showed it was
all on bitumen and only 152 kms. We headed for a town called Temora where we
had a lunch stop and it was also the finish for the day. It was a small day
so the bashers could rest or do whatever bashers do in their spare time
(don't ask, it's safer).
The lunch/finish was at the Temora Aviation Museum which displays
ex-military aircraft. What makes this Museum so unique is that the aircraft
are maintained in airworthy condition and flown on a regular basis. We had
free entry into the Museum and they also dragged out an old Canberra bomber.
They started it up and flew it around the airfield for about 40 minutes. It
was great to see. It was also great to see Mavis the lawn bowler showing
interest in the planes.
   
After the plane had landed, some of the bashers, who during the bash brought
remote control cars (some for $1000.00) at the auctions (which are held each
night and all money raised goes to Variety) had a race around the tarmac. I
think Holden won. They were going everywhere so you really couldn't tell.
That night it was theme night which was "Pilots and Air Hostesses". I have
to thank the locals who saw us walking to the showgrounds and gave a lift.
It was a bit of a walk to get there. And for those who wants to see grown
men in dresses, I had to put a photo of my mate Scotty who went to a lot of
trouble. Sorry it was not me this time. It was a great night and the
temperature dropped to -3 in the morning. Glad we didn't decide to camp out.
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Day 8 Lake Cargeligo- Parkes
This day we had official duties to carry out at the Parkes Radio Telescope
Dish so we went direct to Parks and then to our check point. We got there
really early about three hours early so had a drive around Parks and made
sure the locals knew the Variety Bash was about to come to their town.
Once the check point was completed we had time to visit the dish and have a
look around. That was about the day!!!
Tonight is awards night for all the bashers and we find out how much we have
raised to date for the kids of Variety and we find out the top 10 fund
raisers.
We finish tomorrow at Bathurst and watch the V8 supercars in action. Until
then.
Day 9 Parkes to Bathurst and THE FINISH LINE
The awards dinner went exceptionally well and the top 10
fundraisers were
announced. As a matter of interest, the top 10 fundraisers
will
drive their
cars for one lap around Bathurst in front of the massive
crowd.
Congratulations to you all from OV12. The top fundraiser,
which I
can't
remember at the moment, raised $139 000.00. That is a
brilliant
effort and
our $10 000.00 raised mightn't seem much compared to this,
but it
all
helped. The overall figure raised for this year was a
massive, 1.9
million
dollars, which will go so far to help the Variety kids of
Queensland. When
you hear how much gets raised through the year and what it
is
going to be
used for, you know that all the long hours of fundraising
and
preparing for
the bash is well and truly worth it.
In the morning there seemed to be a bit of a buzz with
everyone. I
don't
know if it was that we have nearly come to the end of the
bash or
the
announcement of the money raised. It was the last chance
to play
tricks on
the other bashers and their cars. It was going to be an
easy
drive, via
bitumen, into Bathurst and to the finish line, an easy
153km
through the
town of Orange.
For some cars this wasn't so. There seemed to be a few
cars on the
side of
the road being repaired. We stopped and helped the xxxx
bus, Top
Hat Lounge, as their radiator split and started to boil
the
engine. The RAAF mechanics stopped and they had the
equipment to
repair the radiator on the side of the road. As a favour
we took
one of their passengers, Nat, to the finish line.
It was a great feeling we got OV12,the old girl, to the
finish
line. The
decision to keep going a couple of days ago and look after
her,
was the
right one now. She didn't let us down.
At the finish line there didn't seem to be a lot of the
public to
cheer for
us. I THINK there was something bigger on in Bathurst that
day!!!
All the
other bashers cheered and congratulated each other for a
bash well
done. All the cars of the bash made it over the finish
line even
if they had to push
them.
Once all the cars came across the
finish
line it was time to go to Camp
Bathurst which was right near the track and only for
Variety. I
have no idea
how they would of managed this. Amazing.
This is the first time I saw the
Variety
clown sleep.
It felt good to relax. Trev,
Mike and
myself went to the track and watched some practice runs
and a V8
supercar Development race.
Everywhere you looked there was something going on. It was
great.
Mike even helped a man that was having a diabetes attack
until
Ambulance officers arrived. The man was fine.
At the end of the day the rain was coming and we decided
to make a
move tohead home. That was a hard decision. We still had
to limp
the old girl home and thought the cool night air would
help. That
night Mental as Anything held a concert for Variety and we
would
miss the main race, sacrifices we make!!!!
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Day 10 Bathurst to home sweet home
2828.57 Klm's 1 way!
Just wanted to let everyone know we made it home with an uneventful trip
during the night. Toowoomba, where this bash started from, didn't seem that
far away driving direct. As we drove through it was covered in cloud early
in the morning and at the bottom of the range it was raining.
It was great to get home, finally, and see the family. Yes I did watch the
race on the big screen and said to myself, I could be there. Maybe another
year.
To finish off this year's bash, we would like to thank everybody including
our family and friends that helped us through the year to achieve what we
have completed (there is way too many to name). Also the special kids from
Variety, that will be helped from your kind donations, would love to thank
everyone.
OV12 didn't use the skills and equipment we have on board but that means it
turned out to be a safe bash for everyone. We are there just in case someone
does need assistance. It is better not to be called upon!!!!
The next years bash has been announced and it is from Ross River, Townville
to Todd River, Alice Springs. This is a National bash so Variety from all
the other States and Territories of Australia, meets up with each other on
the way. This one may be very huge. Hopefully all our sponsors will help us
again next year to get OV12 into the bash. If you would like to help, please
don't hesitate to contact us.
Until next time.
Thanks to all.
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