Pyrenees filming and Mt Cole explore camping weekend HARD

Pyrenees and Mt Cole, VIC
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Another in our filming series of iconic hard tracks, we will be tackling Old Bluff Track on the Saturday and as many others as we have time for. We will camp in the Pyrenees and then on Sunday will go for an explore of Mt Cole area. Old Bluff is a tough track with one section splitting into 3 lines. 1 of them is relatively easy, another is hard and the third is pushing into extreme. The aim of filming is to try to get up the toughest line. But safety comes first and no one will be pressured into doing it if not comfortable. 



 



This will be a challenging trip and is suited for well modified vehicles, decent lift and larger tyres are recommended, lockers will help a bit too. Saturday will be slow going for the filming but hopefully pick up the pace after that. 



 



Your vehicle must be in total working order to join. Check over anything that could be a problem. Winches must be checked over in the week leading up to the trip. 



 



As usual, be self sufficient with food and drink, all the basics. The weather will most likely have cooled down overnight so warm clothes and sleeping gear is advisory. 

Requirement

  • Electric Winch
  • Recovery Gear
  • Winston

  • Winston (Winston_FJ) I have mechanic skills Trip Leader - Level 5 (Completed over 46 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (13-May-2017 05:00)
    TB48 Patrol GU6 ST-S (2008 Patrol)
    • 35" Tyres, 4" Lifted
    • Winch
  • Ben

  • Ben (benjhall) I am first-aid qualified Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips)

    GOING
    Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (12-May-2017 23:18)
    4.8 GU Patrol (2005 Patrol)
    • 35" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch
  • Allan

  • Allan (Big Pig) I had chainsaw training I had winch training Completed Proficiency training Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 10 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (11-May-2017 17:33)
    BIG PIG (2014 WK2 diesel)
    • 32" Tyres
    • Rear Diff Lock
    • Winch
  • Kelvin

  • Kelvin (TREXGQ) I am first-aid qualified Trip Leader - Level 6 (Completed over 83 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (11-May-2017 18:04)
    TREXGQ (1993 Patrol)
    • 33" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Front Diff Lock
    • Winch
  • Julius

  • Julius (Mishka) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (12-May-2017 09:31)
    Old MQ Patrol (1989 Patrol)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front Diff Lock
    • Winch
  • Dave

  • Dave (Stoops) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 4 trips) Premium Member


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    Triton (2016 Triton)
    • 31" Tyres
    • Winch
  • Robin

  • Robin (Robin80series) I had winch training


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    Gu td4.2 turbo ute (2002 patrol)
    • 37" Tyres, 4" Lifted
    • Winch
  • Christo

  • Christo (Lotriet) I had chainsaw training I had winch training


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    4l v6 petrol (2013 Fj cruiser)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock
    • Winch

Antony
Antony (Peloza79) Premium Member
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Joined befor looking at the date
20 Mar 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Hahaha bit trigger happy mate?
20 Mar 2017
Trav (dungarover)
I am in. Not too far to drive either and haven't had the opportunity to go there before.

Trav
20 Mar 2017
George
George (Georgie_Kyro)
Jesus that filled up quick.
Lucky last in!
All vehicles are twin locked, this should make for an exciting day out.
Never been to pyrenees before, I have missed the last few trips.
I look forward to tackling the difficult track but can't remember the name of it
20 Mar 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Yep. Pretty quick! Great to see.

This will be my last camping trip for a while with the baby due in June. So let's make it a bloody good one!
20 Mar 2017
Trav (dungarover)
Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote: Yep. Pretty quick! Great to see.

This will be my last camping trip for a while with the baby due in June. So let's make it a bloody good one!
This will be my first camping trip in over 5 years!!! Hope I remember how to put the tent up...LOL!!! Trav
20 Mar 2017
Dave
Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote: Yep. Pretty quick! Great to see.

This will be my last camping trip for a while with the baby due in June. So let's make it a bloody good one!
Brave man going away on Mother's Day
20 Mar 2017
Allan
Allan (Big Pig) Premium Member
Sorry Georgie someone had to ruin the party with only one locker , hope I can keep up.
20 Mar 2017
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith)
could we go on the waiting list please...

this trip filled up so fast!!
20 Mar 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith) wrote: could we go on the waiting list please...

this trip filled up so fast!!
Click the "I am interested" button and you will receive an email update if someone has to pull out.
20 Mar 2017
George
George (Georgie_Kyro)
Damn it, mothers day?
Oh em gee my wife is gunna love you lot for forcing me out on this one!!!!!
20 Mar 2017
George
George (Georgie_Kyro)
Allan (Big Pig) wrote: Sorry Georgie someone had to ruin the party with only one locker , hope I can keep up.
Alan the pig don't need lockers mate!
Wind the window down, give the pig a good ol squeeze of the belly and she be good to go! Oink Oink!!! ;)
20 Mar 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Glad I'm not the only IFS guy on this trip!
20 Mar 2017
Allan
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Enjoy the trip Winston. Not sure if you have been there, but gps maps are not flash; got more tracks using the street mode on my Hema.

A few of us are probably heading up there in a couple of weeks, so will give you a 'heads up' on track conditions.
21 Mar 2017
George
George (Georgie_Kyro)
Allan (allanmac) wrote: Enjoy the trip Winston. Not sure if you have been there, but gps maps are not flash; got more tracks using the street mode on my Hema.

A few of us are probably heading up there in a couple of weeks, so will give you a 'heads up' on track conditions.
I have just recently added the topo and ozi Explorer maps on my hema in 1:50k 1:100k and 1:150k so hope they make the cut
22 Mar 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Allan (allanmac) wrote: Enjoy the trip Winston. Not sure if you have been there, but gps maps are not flash; got more tracks using the street mode on my Hema.

A few of us are probably heading up there in a couple of weeks, so will give you a 'heads up' on track conditions.
That will be great to get some info on what it's like.

I've got the Vicmap topo series 1:25k on Memory Map which seems to cross reference fairly well with satellite imagery of the area. Will have to see how it goes.
22 Mar 2017
Allan
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote:
Allan (allanmac) wrote: Enjoy the trip Winston. Not sure if you have been there, but gps maps are not flash; got more tracks using the street mode on my Hema.

A few of us are probably heading up there in a couple of weeks, so will give you a 'heads up' on track conditions.
That will be great to get some info on what it's like.

I've got the Vicmap topo series 1:25k on Memory Map which seems to cross reference fairly well with satellite imagery of the area. Will have to see how it goes.
Sorry Winston, wont be able to help you with info re; track conditions etc, as we have decided to go to Walhalla instead and wont be doing the Pyrenees until late May. Am sure you will all have a great time.
24 Mar 2017
Allan
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Hey Winston, just saw a thread on another forum saying that use of drones in Parks Vic managed land is prohibited unless you are licenced.?????
26 Mar 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Yes, this is correct - a commercial operator's certificate and permit is required.

Most of the filming I am doing is handheld. If I need the drone then I have to look at where I'll be filming and plan appropriately.
27 Mar 2017
James
James (RiderID)
You don't require a permit to fly a drone in parks Victoria managed land if it's not being used commercially

http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/park-management/applications,-licences-and-permits/filming-and-photography
27 Mar 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Read again mate.

"Who needs a permit?

....

Drone filming and photography including drones under 2kg. Please note, only CASA licensed operators can apply for a permit"

"Who doesn't need a permit?

...

People taking film or video for personal use, except if filming with drones"
27 Mar 2017
James
James (RiderID)
My bad, called up if it's only for recreational use you are not allowed to fly at all and they will not issue a permit, wtf is this shit?
27 Mar 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
James (RiderID) wrote: My bad, called up if it's only for recreational use you are not allowed to fly at all and they will not issue a permit, wtf is this shit?
If you're prepared to risk it there is grey area. I'm not encouraging it but plain and simple Parks Victoria or any other municipality do not have any ownership over airspace. Airspace is CASA territory and that's final. Therefore launching a uav from outside said restricted area is outside of their jurisdiction and falls into airspace classing and restrictions.

Grey area could potentially include hand or vehicle launches. Your call.
27 Mar 2017
Dave
Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
Just got back from that area, the hard line up old bluff is pretty much undriveable without winching the right hand line is choppped up but doable in the big trucks. There is a track at mt Cole that follows the power lines up is a good challenge at the top, North Glen Patrick is a big steep climb that is easy in the dry but in the wet would be super slippery.
18 Apr 2017
Dave
Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
Just got back from that area, the hard line up old bluff is pretty much undriveable without winching the right hand line is choppped up but doable in the big trucks. There is a track at mt Cole that follows the power lines up is a good challenge at the top, North Glen Patrick is a big steep climb that is easy in the dry but in the wet would be super slippery.
18 Apr 2017
Matt
Matt (Matt86)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Really sorry guys my misses is from Bendigo and forgot we have a family gathering up there that weekend.
21 Apr 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
I dunno about you guys but with just over 2 weeks to go I can feel my excitement building for this trip already.

Plan of attack is to explore mt cole on Saturday as it's fairly uncharted territory for most of us. I have a few tracks in mind but it will really be a day of exploring and looking for challenges. Still working out the best place to meet, feel free to offer any suggestions.
27 Apr 2017
Tim
Tim (ttxpc)
Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote: I dunno about you guys but with just over 2 weeks to go I can feel my excitement building for this trip already.

Plan of attack is to explore mt cole on Saturday as it's fairly uncharted territory for most of us. I have a few tracks in mind but it will really be a day of exploring and looking for challenges. Still working out the best place to meet, feel free to offer any suggestions.
Beaufort end
Manly point
Unmarked back section of Mt Cole track

Near TV towers ( mid point)
Green range both branches
2 side tracks off hell-hole track one toward Victoria Hill, the other toward Harvey flat rd
Crazy lower powerline track, and slightly less crazy upper powerline track, need good approach angle to get up the double steps, bullbar on the 60 hits for me, could do some track building though

Eversley-sugarloaf up the Ben Nevis end and colliers-gap if you want some heavy winching, nearly forgot telephone track Near Chinaman's camp, heaps of others, but these were standouts for me 👍
Have fun
27 Apr 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Tim that's awesome info! Thank you! I was planning on starting on doing Eversley-Sugarloaf as the first track. Much appreciate your tips.
27 Apr 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Tim that's awesome info! Thank you! I was planning on starting on doing Eversley-Sugarloaf as the first track. Much appreciate your tips.
27 Apr 2017
Tim
Tim (UAV)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Working on rebuilding my house... so good but bad
28 Apr 2017
George
George (Georgie_Kyro)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Currently have my arm in plaster
Had surgery on the weekend.
Had a little accident at work.
Cur myself down to the bone and severed some nerves and tendons.
It's only a small cut but I musta got it good.
03 May 2017
Kelvin
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Premium Member
George (Georgie_Kyro) wrote: WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Currently have my arm in plaster
Had surgery on the weekend.
Had a little accident at work.
Cur myself down to the bone and severed some nerves and tendons.
It's only a small cut but I musta got it good.
That's no good mate, hope you get well soon. Catch you next time.
03 May 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Hey guys would there be any objection to an earlier meet up?Kelvin and Al are staying at the pub in Avoca, my plans are to head straight to the base of Eversley-Sugarloaf Track and make it our first ascent. Would like to be on the tracks at a reasonable time so if we could meet at 8am at the Avoca pub for a briefing and joint discussion it would be great.
04 May 2017
Trav (dungarover)
No worries, look forward to it. Got my new driveshaft's for the Disco (have a horrible vibration) just need to fir them on Sunday and all will be good to go.

Trav
04 May 2017
Kelvin
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Premium Member
8am is good to me :)
04 May 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Updated time and meeting point.
05 May 2017
Julius
Julius (Mishka) Premium Member
I'm good with 8 am
05 May 2017
Julius
Julius (Mishka) Premium Member
Is it an early opener???
05 May 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Tim (ttxpc) wrote:
Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote: I dunno about you guys but with just over 2 weeks to go I can feel my excitement building for this trip already.

Plan of attack is to explore mt cole on Saturday as it's fairly uncharted territory for most of us. I have a few tracks in mind but it will really be a day of exploring and looking for challenges. Still working out the best place to meet, feel free to offer any suggestions.
Beaufort end
Manly point
Unmarked back section of Mt Cole track

Near TV towers ( mid point)
Green range both branches
2 side tracks off hell-hole track one toward Victoria Hill, the other toward Harvey flat rd
Crazy lower powerline track, and slightly less crazy upper powerline track, need good approach angle to get up the double steps, bullbar on the 60 hits for me, could do some track building though

Eversley-sugarloaf up the Ben Nevis end and colliers-gap if you want some heavy winching, nearly forgot telephone track Near Chinaman's camp, heaps of others, but these were standouts for me 👍
Have fun
Hey Tim where about is the power lines track in relation to the TV/radio towers? I've hunted around for info, from what I can make out it runs somewhere near the big cleared strip to the north east of the tower complex? Am I in the right vicinity?
06 May 2017
Tim
Tim (ttxpc)
Top section runs right up to the towers, just go round behind the compound and the tracks are there, also look for lookout Hill track, this intersects the upper and lower, best way to do the lower is head up garret from the glut, you will see it on the left
06 May 2017
Dave
Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
Hey Winston I added a map to the files section the marker shows the top of the power lines track, go to the top to work out you lines over the two steps then go around to the bottom, have fun.
06 May 2017
Dave
Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
Oh and may pay to have a winch car at the top against the power pole, not much yo winch off up there but it's dry so should be ok
06 May 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Cheers both Dave and Tim.

I've uploaded a file as well, would I be right in saying my orange line is the lower section and yellow is the upper section?
06 May 2017
Dave
Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
I have uploaded another file Not sure on upper or lower section but I have only done the the section between the 2 markers. The hard section is close to the top so easiest way to work out your lines is walk down from the top and then drive around to the bottom. I think this is track that Tim is referring to as the lower section. From memory the track you have as the lower is not that hard.
06 May 2017
Tim
Tim (ttxpc)
Lower section is uber steep in parts and very off camber as it snakes from left to right, the chance of a big rollover is very real, as said winching points are limited to half rotten stumps mostly
Upper section is great track, the two big steps are very abrupt at the moment, I attempted it few weeks ago with no luck, without some track building was like nosing into a concrete wall 😀
06 May 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
We will have a look but I'm personally not going to take any chances with my rig, and the safety of my passengers. And I hate side angles.

Cheers again guys. Much appreciate the help.
06 May 2017
Allan
Allan (Big Pig) Premium Member
Zac please check your inbox.
07 May 2017
Zak
Zak (Uzooz) Premium Member
Will call you tomorrow mate
07 May 2017
Allan
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Bit confused with this trip; one minute it is full with 7, then full with 6 and visa versa. Obviously a 'private trip'; nothing wrong with that by the way, Trip Leader's proagative. Hope it is not too wet up there as can very interesting after rain. Look forward to the trip report.
07 May 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Mate I opened up several spots to the site initially, then extended invites to a couple of people who I knew missed the opportunity to join but I wanted to come along as it's been on their list for some time. I didn't want to make it an exclusively private trip, wanted to give other the chance to come too.
07 May 2017
Allan
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
All good Winston, when click on trips it doesnt show as full, but when go to trip details it says full, whether it be 6 or 7 attendees.

Hope you guys and gals enjoy as the area has some great tracks.
07 May 2017
Trav (dungarover)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Once again I have to work, job was put back a day now I have to work the weekend to play catch up, not happy!!!

Sorry for the short notice, I was looking forward to this trip, at least someone else may get a look in. Have a good weekend all.

Trav
09 May 2017
Allan
Allan (Big Pig) Premium Member
Nathan check your inbox.
09 May 2017
Kelvin
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Premium Member

Hey guys just make sure you bring enough warm clothes. It can get down to sub zero temperature overnight.

11 May 2017
Zak
Zak (Uzooz) Premium Member
Is there any motels with electric blankets near by 😂😂
11 May 2017
Allan
Allan (Big Pig) Premium Member
You're always tucked up inside the Defender all snug as a bug.
11 May 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
I don't own enough warm clothes for sub zero..
11 May 2017
Julius
Julius (Mishka) Premium Member
You could allways could up with me.
12 May 2017
Kelvin
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Premium Member

Hey guys just a heads up. Western Hwy may have early morning frost on road surface which may lower speed to 80km/h... so try to consider this when planning your travel time.

12 May 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Cheers mate.

It was nearly a pull out from me. The FJ has been in the shop getting a new driveshaft and an alignment, when they road tested it there was a loud bang from the front left and the wheel completely came loose from steering and went wobbling everywhere. Rack end had come off the rack. Thought it was going to need a replacement but turns out it just somehow came off the thread. The Ashfords boys are finishing it up and testing it now, about to go back and pick it up.

Stressful start to the weekend...
12 May 2017
Zak
Zak (Uzooz) Premium Member
Hi guys
So sorry
I thought I had fix my car but when I drive it today over heating issues
Changed all hoses and thermostat it no good was in process of changing water pump was it's a massive job the whole front end has to come out again now for the third time ☹️☹️
I was really looking forward to this trip
Enjoy and be safe guys
12 May 2017
Zak
Zak (Uzooz) Premium Member
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Defender let me down
Over heating issues
12 May 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
An extra spot has opened up. Sorry about the last minute.
12 May 2017
Matthew
Matthew (discomatt)
If it wasn't Mothers Day tomorrow I would be very quickly throwing some shit in the car and heading off, bugger about the overheating Zak, have you checked that the radiator isn't blocked internally with crap build up or externally with mud in the fins...
Mud hiding in the fins killed my first Disco when I cooked the crap out of it in the high country on a 37 degree day, that was the best and most reliable car I have ever owned :-(
13 May 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Well that was an interesting trip. Sorry for the fall day yesterday. Thanks everyone for your patience and assistance. Hope you all got home safely today.
14 May 2017
Matthew
Matthew (discomatt)
Trip report or photos?
15 May 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Coming mate. Been trying to get the front end of the fj back to being in a decent driving condition.
15 May 2017
Kelvin
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Premium Member
Thanks Winston for running the trip. Well, Mt Cole certainly live up the name, as one of the most secret 4wd destination. Some the tracks are definitely not for average 4wders who haven't experienced some of the most technical tracks in Victoria. Although we had a few drama, all of us stayed clam and worked as a team to get through the difficult situation. I will go wheeling with all of you anytime anywhere again. Photos and Videos will be posted shortly. Cheers guys
15 May 2017
Allan
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote: Coming mate. Been trying to get the front end of the fj back to being in a decent driving condition.
Mmm, doesnt sound good Winston; hope it doesnt cost too many $$$ to repair.
15 May 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Allan (allanmac) wrote:
Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote: Coming mate. Been trying to get the front end of the fj back to being in a decent driving condition.
Mmm, doesnt sound good Winston; hope it doesnt cost too many $$$ to repair.
It was an expense I really couldn't afford at the moment but these things happen. If it hadn't been for the teamwork of the convoy as well as Terry Dr Vries sourcing and delivering a steering rack I'd still be stuck up there waiting for parts.
15 May 2017
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Trip report up in the forum guys
18 May 2017
Kelvin
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Premium Member
Just uploaded 100 photos in Photo section. Enjoy!
20 May 2017
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TRIP COMPLETED

5 GOING, 4 Interested
7 adults
Trip Date
13-May-2017 (Sat) to 14-May-2017 (Sun)

Meeting Point
Avoca Hotel, 115 High St, Avoca VIC 3467
8:00 AM (Sat, 13-May-2017)

Organiser
Winston

Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member

View my trips