Just a quick reminder that racing for real cyclists 🙂 starts this week with the Dirt Crits commencing on Tuesday and the 1st round of the XC season this Sunday.
Previous blog for the Crits can be found here. Don’t forget you will need your lights for this, discussion on lights is here, but in my opinion you can’t go past a decent set of Ayups. If a group of you get together and order at the same time and you speak to Ayup nicely they might give you a discount. They look after PMBC well and support our annual Dusk til Dawn 12hr Enduro.
Those wanting to get in on the action of the XC series can find all the details for the 1st round here. Just quickly it will be held down at Langford Park Jarrahdale, so if your not part of the final SPR/RCCC crits race, get yourselves down and have a race or support those who are. This is a nice easy trail to start the season off with.
If you are heading down drop a mention in the comments and i’ll know which tent etc to bring and how much room we need to setup.
Welcome back to the Garvey Park Dirt Crit Series, Hosted by PMBC.
Due to popular demand they are on again, if you missed the last series here is your second chance. First race kicks off Tuesday evening 22nd March, 6:30pm registration opens for a 7pm start. The format will be very similar to the last series but there has been some extra trail cut in to mix it up a bit. You will need an MTBA licence to race otherwise day licences are available on the night. Don’t forget to bring your lights as it will be getting dark as the race progresses.
And for those that need an incentive to come down, even just to watch, Gregor should be in his Ashlee Simpson muscle top with cut off jeans & Nigel promised to race in his DJ Lance outfit. Come join in the fun or race in your own novelty outfit.
Details from the last series can be found here to give you an idea of what to expect.
Well now that we have all recovered from the lack of sleep and intimate relations with trees and the ground, it’s time to share the fun with everyone who missed out.
Saturday saw a stalwart group of individuals band together to conquer the almost 17km, Jarrahdale 12hr enduro course… in the dark. Given how difficult some people find riding in the day, someone thought lets just up it a notch and do it at night.
The SPR conglomerate consisted of 2 duo teams: Chocolat Canards – Nigel & Grant and Frog Stompers – Andrew & Gregor and a trio: Night Sliders – Jeremy, Ashlee & myself. As the teams started to arrive the campsite took shape and became the biggest ‘taj ma hoochie’ onsite although not the most extravocant. That was taken by the Airport team whom had a 42″plasma, 5.1 surround and the xmas light kitchen with a close 2nd going to the Cape crew with there projector setup to distract you while riding past the camp. But none of them had the Venga boys and disco central.
After we had setup and settled in the boys talked tactics, who would go first etc and doing some last minute prep, this was a good idea cos I found a broken spoke that was quickly fixed with a bit of leccy tape. Before we knew it the start was rolling around and time to get ready.
The start was a Le Mans style, sprint to your bike and get yourself going. Lets just say this is organised kaos and makes for an entertaining view as a spectator, not as fun if your the 1st rider up. Those who were quick got a nice clean start, Andrew got in on this and capitalised as did Grant. This was to set them up for a good race.
As the field thinned out and riders came thru transition a nice rhythm was found. I was lucky enough to have some relax time as the 3rd rider in our team. This allowed for the field to spread out and give a bit of breathing room to settle into my 1st lap. Breathing room was good as the course was very dusty due to the lack of rain of late, and if you were following someone you would spend most of the time eating dirt.
The night idled along with the campsite entertainment keeping riders going as well as the on course entertainment with 1 team taking things to a whole new level. The Wembley Cyles Motastics decided fancy dress was in order, bringing out an array of outfits thru the night including, full suit, girls school uniform and PJs complete with slippers. Other entertianment included the track stand and tyre change competition, as well as random prizes for stacks and other interesting anecdotes from out on the trails. Although the prize for the best stack went to the poor bugger who left in an ambo with a broken hand, cracked ribs and bleeding kidney. Hopefully he pulls up alright and makes it back next year.
The night wore on riders started to show fatigue with times slowing and the campsite getting quite as some had a quick nap. Others took this time to capitalise and put their lead out of reach of the competition. The SPR teams were still going strong and making an impression.
As the sun broke and I completed my last lap the 2 SPR Duo teams had an uncatchable lead (short of mechanical or other disaster) and my team had confirmed their spot in the top 10 trios.
In the end the Chocolat Canards took out 1st in the duos closely followed by the Frog Stompers, making it 1,2 for the SPR camp. Night Sliders finished with a respectable 10th in the Trios and 28th over all in a field of 160+ starters. Once the podiums had finished & prizes received, it was time to pack up and head home for a well earned shower and sleep.
A mention must go to Matt Upton who was talked into this, his 3rd MTB event without ever riding the course and never having ridden off road at night. Goes to show anyone can give this fun a go.
We’d also like to thank Greg Murison for putting this great event together. Without his time and effort this event would not have come together. Also a big thanks to his helpers and volunteers who were out there making things run smoothly and making sure the riders had a fun and safe night. You’ll see Greg and some of his helpers out on our rides so don’t be a stranger say hi and step up for the next event.
The 12 hour enduro rounds off the year of mountain bike events in Perth. PMBC will run the race, starting at 7pm and finishing 7am and yes you will need lights! The event will be held at Langford Park Jarrahdale, a 45 minute drive from Perth city. Expect a fantastic racing track, great prizes, a relaxed & professional atmosphere and most of all heaps of fun!
Team and Solo competitors will ride an awesome course of single track and fire trail attempting to complete as many laps as possible in the given time limit. The event is supported with food stalls, drinks & coffee and sponsor displays.
Already we have a number of teams from within our ranks and if your still thinking of joining the fun and festivities, get your entry in quick as there is not much time left before cutoff.
The Club tent will be setup and provide a hub for all to hang out and chill when not racing. Feel free to dress up as you won’t be the only one and given that xmas is not far away that may taint the theme for some. For full details if your not already aware head over to the official site – www.wa12hour.com.au
If you will be racing or able to make it down, let everyone else know by posting in the comments. Even if your not racing you can cheer on the riders or volunteer with Lorraine who will be there to ensure the night runs smoothly.
WAMBA is pleased to present the premiere of the new Freeride MTB film ¨Life Cycles¨. This is set to be the premier MTB film of the year and has been shortlisted for inclusion in the Banff mountain film festival world tour.
From the Producers:
Life Cycles tells a spectacular story of the bike, from its creation to its eventual demise. A visually stunning journey, with thought provoking narration, Life Cycles uses Ultra HD to document the many stories surrounding the mountain bike and its culture.
Ride along into breath taking natural settings, as we battle the elements, showcase the progression of riding, take a road trip, fix the bike, and show the destruction and eventual creation of trails.
Semenuk, Hopkins, Schwartz, McIntosh, McCaul Agassiz, Hunter and Vanderham guide you through this wonderful story. Life Cycles is a celebration of the bicycle, and is sure to entertain anyone who has ever ridden one.
The film is being screened at the Cygnet Cinema in Como on the 1st November 2010. Doors open at 6.30pm, and the film will show at 7.30. Tickets will be $20 and be available at the Garvey Park Dirt Crits. They are also available online at https://www.registernow.com.au/mtba/ERegister.aspx?E=496 . All money raised on the night will be going to support WAMBA’s trail advocacy work to improve our trail network.
This is a great chance to bring family or friends down to showcase our great sport and get them as enthusiastic as we are.
This will also be a chance to hear about the latest developments at the Goat Farm and the Kalamunda circuit, hear about the direction of WAMBA in 2011, and get involved in helping to determine the future direction of trail advocacy in WA.
John Carney will also be doing the Singletrack Minds series presentations on the night, so if you raced any of the 3hr or 6hr races get down there as you may have scored a prize.
Welcome to the Garvey Park Dirt Crit Series, Hosted by PMBC.
Firstly, a dirt crit is a combination of a cyclo-cross race – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqzgbJS8Fs4&feature=related and a criterium road race. The course is very much shorter than a conventional XC mountain bike race and in many ways less technical. To make up for this, and as an extra dimension, the race is to be run under twilight/night conditions. Therefore bring your lights, (and start eating lots of carrots).
The City of Belmont have been very supportive in granting approval to use the grounds at Garvey Park to host the first series of this kind in the Perth metropolitan area. This is a trial series to gauge the viability and it is hoped future races will be run throughout the year pending further approval and consideration from the City of Belmont.
Importantly, there are a number of conditions the City of Belmont request us to adhere to and they are reproduced below. An announcement will be made prior to each race starting to remind you of these rules.
1) Don’t litter
2) Use lights both front and rear
3) Be courteous to other park users
4) Use the die-back disinfectant trough for your bike and shoes prior to racing
The Race format
Firstly the dates: Tuesday evenings 12/10, 19/10, 26/10, 2/11, 9/11, 16/11 6:30pm registration opens for a 7pm start.
This race is intended to be simple and straight forward and it requires a little patience and co-operation, especially during this trial series as we get up to speed with a normal routine. To spell out the subtle reading between the lines – this type of thing has never been attempted before in Perth and it is unknown how the mountain biking community will take to the race (there could be 300 people turn up and we’ll be racing until 10pm or nobody will show up and I’ll have a ride around the park by myself).
Here’s the plan…
Turn up at Garvey Park with all the following items as a minimum:
1) MTBA Race licence (if you have one),
2) Lights front and rear,
3) Helmet
4) Bike
5) $5 entry (and $15 for a day licence if you aren’t a member of the MTBA)
6) Enthusiasm.
In addition to the ample car parking, it is worth pointing out there is good bike path access to the park if you want to turn the race into a good training exercise. We are currently in negotiations to acquire some demo/loan lights for this series. Stay tuned for more details.
Registration will be open at 6:30pm and you will be required to take your bike and shoes through a specially made disinfectant trough to prevent Die-Back. The races will be split into 4 separate categories which you self select from A, B, C and, if required, D. There is no scientific formula for working out your category and by all means you can move up or down if necessary. Ladies can choose category where they will be competitive. Here is a guide…
A – for those that race Elite or Expert cross country races and other equally competitive forms of cycling,
B – for those that race Sport in cross country races and are fairly competitive cyclists from other disciplines of cycling and are new to mountain biking. Also Elite/Expert women if they wish.
C – for those that love cycling, and for one reason or another, don’t get out on the bike enough but would want to escape the many routines of life and have a race,
D – for those novice riders who have never raced before or, if needed, to further segregate the above categories.
The entry fee is $5 for those who are MTBA members and an extra $15 for a day licence for those that are not. This is for insurance purposes.
The course will be approximately 2-3km in length and will be varied each race to add variety and limit excessive damage to the grounds.
The racing will start at 7pm with A grade. After they have completed one lap, B grade will start their race and after B grade have completed their first lap C (and D) will start.
A grade will complete 5 or 6 laps (approx 45 mins), B grade 4 or 5 laps (approx 35 mins) and C grade 3 or 4 laps (approx 25 mins) with all categories all finishing on the same lap.
To repeat, this format may change throughout the series if a better system works.
After the race, there will be fury of activity to organise some race results and a modest prize presentation before you can be on with your usual activities for a Tuesday night in Perth.
Lights & Prizes
Nathan from SC Imports has loaned us four sets of Nite Lights as demo lights for people without their own.
Send an email to Greg – gr.murison@gmail.com to book them for next weeks race. First come, first served. Priority the next week will be given to those who miss out this week and so on.
Secondly, Armadale Cycles have generously agreed to support the Series with random prizes. These will be given away after the last race on 16th November. For each race you do, you’ll get a raffle ticket, so the more races you do, the more chances you have to win.
Busy Bee
Finally, we will be having a busy bee at Garvey Park this Sunday from 9am. If you want to come down and help us out with a little bit of track marking and maintenance, it would be appreciated, and you’ll get to see the track.
It would be great if SPR could get a few riders along to support this event and make it a regular occurance.
The State Championships are on this Sunday 3rd October and the course is one of the best XC race tracks in WA. Having raced this area just over a week ago with the Dwellingup 100, I can tell you the trails are pretty sweet. Directions to the course and course profiles are provided on the event flyer attached below.
Online registration can be found here.
There will be state championship specific plates so make sure you allow enough time to get yours before your race.
I won’t be able to make it unfortunately due to other commitments but hopefuly we can get a few of the MTB crew down to this for a bit of a showing and a few placings.
It”s time to get excited – the event we have all been waiting for is only a few days away! SPR are sending down a large contingent this year across all categories. We have approval for the club tent at the event so lets make ourselves known as the club to be a part of and help support cycling in WA.
Final Chance to Enter!
This is your final chance to enter in the Dwellingup 100 MTB Classic! Registrations will not be accepted on the day of the event, so make sure you enter online. Online registrations will close Wednesday 15th September at 12 midday.
Choose from 1 of 3 race options available; 100km, 40km or the 14km. You won”t be alone, we already have SPR infiltrators across each category.
The “Riders Information Booklet” is now available online. It is essential that all riders read this booklet as it provides important information about the event (course information, registration, aid stations etc).
To read the Riders Information Booklet – click here!
For those of you who have no idea about this event, check out the event site and for a write up of last years fun, check my blog here.
If you need a spare jersey let us know in the comments and we will try to find something in your size. Or if you need further info let me know.
*Big thanks must go out to Tony Tucknott from PMBC & Tri Events for making this event happen. They have put in some hard yards to bring such an event to WA for us to race
There are a few members of the club heading to Dwellingup in September for the Dwellingup100 MTB Classic. If your a Mountain biker and interested in challenging yourself here is the perfect opportunity. If your interested or would like to find out more there is an information evening this Thursday, details below. It would be great to have a good showing of SPR members at the event this year.With a variety of distances there is something for everyone. Full details can be found on the website.
Information Night
WA’s largest Mountain Bike event – The Dwellingup Mountain Bike Classic is conducting an information evening to go through all facets of this year’s event. It’s everything you need to know about this great event.
Level 2 Mountain Bike Coach Prof. Rob Merrells will discuss how best to prepare for the event and what you should be doing in the lead up to get the best results. Rob will talk about preparation and training as well as nutrition leading into and during the event.
The Course – There are some minor changes to this year’s course, we’ll be releasing the course maps so you can see where we’re going to take you. Race Director Tony Tucknott will go through the changes and talk about what you can expect.
Details:
Date: Thursday 19th August 2010
Time: 07:00pm
Location: Department of Sport and Recreation, Leederville Oval, Vincent St, Leederville
Fee: Free of charge
RSVP: To RSVP or for further information please email – info@trievents.com.au or call 08 9244 5200 – TriEvents
With the Dwellingup 100km off-road enduro coming up in September I found myself presented with a problem. I’d ridden my mountain bike exactly once (a 4hr enduro) since the last 100km effort (2010 Karri Cup[1]). I remember telling myself after the Karri Cup that I’d need to put in some more saddle time on the (near ten year old!) Giant dually before doing something like that again. The time for action was nigh.
I’d wanted to tick the Kep Track off my list of ‘Rides To Do’ for some time now. I’d read about Andrew’s expedition and thought I’d like to give it a go. It’s basically a dirt track that follows the Golden Pipeline from Mundaring Weir to Northam, 75km away. It’s not technical at all but does provide ample riding distance on dirt which would suit our purpose nicely. I’m not really into touring and staying in Northam didn’t turn me on so it was put forward that we ride it out and back. It’s not even hilly but my thinking was that what it lacked in elevation would be made up for in distance. The Dwellingup100 involves quite a lot of up and down but is only a mere 100km – so surely this would be a good training ride! A few emails to some interested parties, a short debate on a free weekend and a date settled on. It’d be good to knock this one over in a day.
By the time Sunday morning rolled around our band of riders had been whittled down to four. Scott, Lee, Craig and myself rocked up to Mundaring Weir Hotel carpark at 0600 [2] where it was deserted and dark. Scott and me on dually’s, Lee on his cool Focus hardtail and Craig on his Surly Long Haul Trucker. After some Mindless Banter™ [3]– mostly about how chilly it was, and jibes about me and Scott not having lights we set off shortly before 0630.
Three of us heading up the road and then we wondered where Scott got to. He had done this ride before and knew the way. He did the first half klick on the track whilst we plodded up the road and then joined the track. Jumpers and jackets were discarded shortly afterwards. The 7km or so to Mundaring township is mostly wide-ish sniggletrack [4], crosses the road a couple of times and very pleasant to ride, even uphill. It was dark, with just enough moonlight, and a bit of mist. A favourite part of any ride, I was just waiting for the Tauntauns to appear out of the white haze…
Negotiated the unsigned dogs-leg at Mt Helena with no hassles thanks to Scott’s prior knowledge. Most of the track is easy to follow but this intersection could be a trap for first timers.
Past the BMX jump track at Chidlow The rest of us resisted Craig’s call to ride the jumps. I’m useless in the air. Once my bike wheels leave the ground I may as well be a triathlete [5] for all the skill I have.
Section of flat path that was dry but quite bumpy. In the not too distant past it seems a horse or two had been through here when it was wet and left many hoof marks which had now dried hard. Kind of like corrugations but different. Certainly not the most pleasant surface to ride on.
Went past Baker’s Hill and it’s over-rated pie shop (IMNSHO) It was somewhere about here that I first started to feel it. Yes it wasn’t that far into the ride but lack of mtb saddle time and yesterday afternoons racing was reminding me that the effects were still present.
Nearing Clackline there was a fun downhill run ending in a gully across a stream. Video
Six or seven kilometres of deserted road provided Craig with a chance to stretch his Surly’s legs necessitating him to wait for the rest of us at a lovely paddock edge. Reminded our two ex-pats of Wales apparently. It is quite scenic in parts and all the sheep were out with their lambs following them about. We continued past the West Northam water tanks followed by a nice run of sniggletrack just before Northam. A cool, rough downhill, complete with dodgy pipe crossover before a short pathway blat into Northam town centre where the Garmin told me we had done 75km on the dot.
Not much doing in Northam on this lovely sunny Sunday. I was looking forward to the mountain bikers lunch of choice [6] but was sadly disappointed with what was on offer. A bakery, a cafe or Chicken Treat. We settled on the bakery which was empty when we arrived but within a minute of entering it was filled with more than a dozen locals. Purchases were made and we adjourned to the local park by the river to scoff down our sausage rolls, pies, buns, pastries, milk & Cokes.
After refilling CamelBaks and bottles we headed back out of town and climbed the steepest part of the ride. The rough track next to the pipeline wasn’t as hard going up as I thought it might be when I was barrelling down it earlier on.
A regroup at the Wales-esque paddock took place before the short roll down the road to Clackline. We waited there too as it seems Lee had a puncture. Craig went back to help him out with me and Scott heading off up the track. It wasn’t too long before Craig and Lee caught, then passed us and we were off the back again. This might have been the last time I saw Craig until I finished the ride! Lee I could see in the distance for some time and almost caught him at a road crossing but then he disappeared into the yonder again. I was really hitting the wall at this point and it was somewhere around the 135km mark that I stopped and waited for Scott. I was knackered and inhaled my emergency gel. Scott turned up after a few minutes and we had some more lollies. A lady rider heading the other way said she hadn’t seen anyone else on the track. I figured Lee and Craig must’ve finished. We re-mounted , determined to finish off the day. I spent most of the remaining kilometres back to Mundaring township yo-yoing off the back of Scott’s wheel. I perked up once we reached the downhill sniggletrack back to the Hotel and we bombed down it, legs forgetting that we’d already asked 144km of them. I finished the last of my water somewhere around here. Rolled into the carpark, band was playing in the pub across the road, with 150km on Mr Garmin.
Craig was waiting for us – and had been for 25 minutes! Strangely, Lee turned up a few minutes later than us. Turns out he stopped to fix another flat and then got lost, probably missed the dogs leg mentioned previously at Mt Helena on the way back.
I was completely spent. I’d drunk 1.5 litres of water on the way out, 3 litres on the way back, a small Coke, sausage roll, small mocha milk, two bananas, two fruit & muesli bars, two Coconut Rough’s and my emergency gel. It was a bit before 1645, slightly closer to my self-imposed limit of 1700 than I’d planned.
The ride was certainly harder, or perhaps it’d just taken more out of me, than I’d anticipated. The mission was accomplished (which was to get some time on the dually) but if I was doing this ride again I’d definitely take my commuter (the Salsa ‘crosser of Orangeness). It’s much better suited for this ride. Hopefully I’ll get in a couple more sensible rides on the Giant before Dwellingup.
Scott will be along shortly with his version of events and possibly some cool video footage of the final piece of singletrack into Mundaring 🙂
Just a quick reminder that racing for real cyclists 🙂 starts this week with the Dirt Crits commencing on Tuesday and the 1st round of the XC season this Sunday.
