It is near impossible to talk about responsible dirt bike rider behaviour without coming across sounding a little "preachy". But the truth is that a very small number of irresponsible riders, can and often do, give the whole dirt and trail rider community a bad name. In this case the behaviour of the riders in question was both irresponsible and criminal.

At some time over the last couple of weeks (late September 2008) the Charnwood camp in the Strathbogie Ranges was visted by at least a couple of dirt bike riders. The offenders broke into a shed, stole some petrol, sprayed graffitti and then made sure their presence would be noticed by leaving some obvious wheelie marks.

One might be tempted to think that's all not such a big deal ... probably just some kids on dirt bikes hooning around, right?

Well ... the police for one (who collected finger prints and other evidence) would strongly disagree. The management of Charnwood, who will have to foot the bill for the repairs and clean up the mess, are also totally unimpressed.

And rightly so, given that they have provided assistance and support to dirt riders in the past and would like to continue to do so into the future. Over the past couple of years Charnwood has been the base for the AMTRA High Country Ride, Dirt Bike World rides and also a few private groups.

John Lindros (CEO and Managing Director) for AUSCAMP expressed his dissapointment in an email to Dirt Bike Australia in which he kindly asked if we could put out the word in the hope of apprehending these "idiots" who are sullying the reputation of dirt bike riders in general.

If you can help with any information, please drop AUSCAMP a note at
or call, PH: 03 5768 2376


It is up to the Dirt and Trail Bike Community to educate young riders and help to prevent these sorts of unfortunate and stupid events from occuring. Otherwise we will all be left with mud on our faces.   - Dirt Bike Australia Editor