Gorman's Gap

13th November

Steve & Linda Sims Landcruiser 80
John Ries & Joyce Nicholson Patrol GU
Richard & Annette Scott Landcruiser 75
Marty & Sue Cruice Patrol GU
Chris & Melinda Lenehan & Kids Patrol GQ
Mario Massimissa Patrol GU
Rob Webster Landcruiser 80
Ken Hartley Landcruiser 80
Arthur & Adele Griffiths Patrol GU
Graham & Sandra Moore Patrol GQ
Cory Mills & Co. Hilux
Michael & Dillon Warry & extras Pajero
Anders & Ann Ekvall Patrol GQ
John & Mary Whitney Patrol GQ shorty

The day commenced at the Caltex Blacksoil departing at 8:10 am after our briefing.
At around 9:15 we stopped for early smoko at Helidon as once on the track there wouldn’t have been a big enough area to stop where we were not spread right out.

We left Helidon and made our way to flagstone ck rd / Sutcliffe rd /Rossels rd and on to the Gormans Gap track. (See notes later Re. property owner). Once on the track Richard and I cleared a little more lantana at the beginning as it had grown a bit since our reece. The going was a bit slow while we did this but the pace soon picked up once past this. It was fairly easy going and we had noticed some very knarly tracks on our right (these the original Gormans road as it turns out).

We had gone along for a little while when we did basically a U turn quite steep and onward to some washed out and rocky sections where you needed to take care in picking your line, but no problems here. We started to climb until we got to the rocky ledge section. Some road building was done and many instructions given to enable every one passage over this. After the rock ledges some chose the right track which was tight due to several strategically placed trees. The left a deep rut that required straddling and missing a tree root sticking out about halfway along. Once past this a short gentle climb until another rutted part with tree root sticking out once again. This time the line was first with right wheel in washout then straddling a deep v once again. Some momentum was needed for those without lockers as the articulation was stretched at opposite ends in opposite angles. This was a very entertaining section and saw a couple looking at the sky for much longer than the expected. Michael and Mario both tried for their pilot’s license, getting major air.

At this part the tow strap came out for the first of two times on a vehicle we can’t mention until Merv finds out. (Hey Corey)

We then had a longish steep climb on some shailly type terrain that required some momentum for most, particularly to get past a crossover section midway up. The tow strap came out here for the last time on the same vehicle as before (that we can’t mention until Merv knows). Once all were up, we went on down a steep loose hill which finished the hardish parts for the day.

After following the power line track back on to the Gormans rd we hit the dirt rd then bitumen rd up to the R.M. Williams park for a later than expected lunch. Once we were fed we drove on to the top monument, walked down to the closed section which has the renowned camels hump.

After our exercise we made our way back to the track for the easy drive back to where we started. After the short bitumen and dirt road drive we were back on the track but heading in the other direction. This was easy going and we did not venture near the hard section from the morning. At the only part that was optional, five of us tiptoed our way down some rocky drop offs and back on the track proper. All others went around this part.

At this point we met up with the owner of the property we were on (hmmm???). At first he was not too happy but after talking to all of us he had calmed down and was quite ok. We explained that we thought we were on the Gormans gap road and not his land. He actually let us continue and pointed out the Gormans track that was impassible due to the rough nature, it was boulder strewn and very steep and washed out. Jim (the owner) gave Chris his address and contact number and let us know to contact him first if we wanted to return at some time. We had not gone through broken fences or gates at any stage of this area. We all agreed later that we should write a thank-you letter to him for allowing us to continue on our trip and the possibility of returning another time.

When I was researching the track (through many avenues) I had only found that the top section of track was closed for historical purposes (we did not enter this track). As far as the bottom section is concerned I was under the impression in was a gazetted road open for driving, and it appeared so.
I think everyone had a good day, some were possibly taken out of their comfort zone but did really well. I had a great time and I thank all who came along. Oh what a feeling!

By Steve Sims