Well ANZAC was a marvelous day this year. Big turn outs at memorials and parades, so I guess that kept numbers down for racing. Anyway a few of us headed down to Pemberton for round 2 of the PMBC XC series, Myself, my brother and Pete Gill, to fly the colours for the club (although we need to get Pete some kit).

The location is perfect for a trail, the bush in the area gives a nice dose of shade and allows for some nice technical obstacles and good ground. It is situated at the bottom of town near the swimming pool. This trail is the first of a series to be built in the area and has been built by Paul Neeve and the 3 chillies crew. They have done a wonderful job so far and as you can see from some of the photos they have included some fun North shore obstacles to liven things up a bit. If your down that way and have a MTB give it a go.

Anyway my brother and I were entered in the Sports category, this is usually the largest field of these races. After watching the juniors hit the skills trail for there event it was our turn. Having not ridden the trail yet I was going to take it easy and find my feet, this proved a good plan as 1 rider found out after hitting  a hill too hard in the 1st 20m and he failed the landing and had a spectacular OTB. The beginning section takes in the skills loop which is fairly simple and basically flat. After transitioning out you end up on the Relentless Blue trail which is the main section at the moment. This begins with a nice technical climb with a few downs to give a short reprieve. After a few kms of climbing you eventually reach the top, this is where the fun begins. Its all downhill from here except for a pinch rise in the middle to keep you honest. The downhill section is where all the North Shore is and includes a few ramps, 2 nice walls and a steep log over ramp. 1st time around was a bit of a recce but 2nd & 3rd laps it was time to try it all and see if I could avoid stacking. Needless to say I had a few close shaves but thoroughly enjoyed it and road out.

As for results, I think I was enjoying the trail a bit too much and forgot I was racing, plus the climb in the 1st half was a killer for me (yeh i know, more Sunday hills rides). In the end I think i came 15th and my brother came in not long after in 16th. Peter raced later in the day with Veterans (he didn’t do a pre race Tri this time) and I think finished 11th.

All had a great day and were completely knackered. Next MTB event is the 3rd round of the XC series to be held at the Goat Farm. Being in Perth this time we hope to have a good showing, like we did at the recent 4hr if not better.

Also while down there I had a chance to speak with Tony Tucknott, president of PMBC and he had great praise for el Presidenté and had heard nothing but good news about the club. Goes to show we are getting a good name for ourselves all over Perth and the hard work Peter puts in is getting noticed. Well Done!!!

*Thanks to a few of the PMBC forum members for the wall photos