As some of you will know the Dwellingup 100 is on again in just over a week. This is WA’s Premier 100km MTB race, attracting some big name locals and east coasters as well as all the local hack’s who make these events what they are.
In traditional style I will be hitting it up again this year, to keep my 100% attendance going (even after swearing the 1st year I would never do it again). I know there are a number of other SPR members heading down. Please let yourselves be known and I can see whether it is viable to get the tents setup and have an SPR camp for us to base ourselves out of. If you are interested in racing, don’t dilly dally get your entry in before the cut off next week (Wed 14th). Don’t think your up for the full 100km, why not try the 40km.
If your not racing try and get yourself down for the day. There are numerous spectator points and this year the locals will have markets and a number of other things going on around the event village. To finish off the day there will also be an old fashioned ‘Bush Dance’ after party with some celebratory ‘lemonades’.
Thats right guys MTB season is here & this sunday will be the 1st round of the Single Track Minds Enduro series. This is the 2nd year for this event and there was a huge turnout last year, especially from the SPR crew. Lets see if we can do it again and get outselves on the podium.
The race will be held at Jorgensen Park, Kalamunda (the old golf course). This is a great beginners course, nice and easy but still with a few options to keep the regulars on their toes. Racing is from 1000 – 1400, but the tent will be going up about 0800 or soon after. Entries close this Wednesday so get yourselves a move on and enter as a solo or team. If you don’t think your up for the racing side of things come along and support the riders who are. Drop a comment below if you think you’ll be there and we can organise drinks etc.
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.
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
Last Sunday saw the second event in the WA Mountain Bike Enduro series. 6 hours of fun at Langford Park in the Jarrahdale forest.
Jonny "volunteers" to let Ryan go first
SPR’s presence on the MTB scene is growing and for this event we had 2 teams: The SPR Mud Wrestlers comprising Jonny and Ryan, and SPR Young and Younger which was Scott and my son Nick.
Getting a teenage boy out of bed before lunchtime on a Sunday is quite a feat in itself however, the excitement at getting on a brand new Giant XTC had Nick and I organised and on the road by
Langford Park is a favourite spot for MTBers and it was easy to see why. Beautiful forests and well maintained trails. A little after we arrived Scott and his wife Gaby rocked up. We quickly found a good spot for the new 3×3 sunshade near the transition area, unloaded the cars and then drove up to the carpark area. By the time we walked back Gaby and Nick had already gotten the tent up and were setting up chairs. Gaby is a woman after my own heart and was super organised with thermoses, food, cool drinks, first aid kit…. so along with ALL my provisions no-one was going thirsty, hungry or would bleed to death!
Garmin ready to go...
A little after 9 Ryan and Jonny appeared and settled themselves into the SPR base camp. Registrations complete and numbers on bikes (very un-aerodynamic) consternations and murmurings began as to who was going to front up on the start line to begin the day’s epic adventure for the Mud Wrestlers. Jonny, being the gentleman of the two, relinquished the honour to Ryan. Nick the Novice was feeling nervous about the whole affair and was glad to leave the race start to Scott.
The start line was back at the railway lines at the entrance to Langford Park. After a short distance on the road to sort things out, the riders would then join onto the singletrack race circuit. The 8.5km loop was shorter than the original 9.5km due to heavy rain earlier in the week. 10 am… they were off, and 6 hours of fun in the dirt began.
Not much more than 25 min later the first of the riders riders began to appear. Being up the front of the bunch would have been a great advantage in avoiding the argy bargy of the bottleneck when the riders left the nice wide road and began the circuit. In the first flush of riders was Ryan who had set a cracking pace in his first lap. Here, as the riders entered the feedzone/transition area they dismounted and walked through a barricade chicane to ensure a safe changeover of riders. No stopping for Ryan though as he and Jonny had agreed to do begin with 2 laps each. Nick, who had been the picture of pre-race nerves, only had to wait a few more minutes before Scott appeared and he took off on his first lap. Jonny paced around a bit more while he waited for Ryan to appear and Scott headed back to base camp for re-fueling. The wisdom of starting with 2 laps for Ryan and Jonny was in question as Ryan appeared… Steaming in the morning sun like a cup of tea in the antarctic, he reflected in true Fynn-esque vocabulary that indeed, he would NOT be doing 2 laps again!
Nick’s first lap went well and he reappeared some 36 min later intact, uninjured, bike in one piece and a smile on his face… good to get that first lap out of the way! His mother, who had embarrassingly yelled out “take it easy”…. “go for the B line” as he
The day rolled on and apart from a few minor scratches to body team SPR remained intact. The pace stayed strong despite legs growing tired. Hungry team riders queued at the sausage sizzle that had been provided for the day. Solo riders quickly grabbed drinks and food as they sped past transition. Commentary, updates, music and calls for missing team riders poured out over the PA system. The atmosphere was fantastic!
Team changeover
Just after 2 I had to leave all the action to get back in time to start work. So will leave the wrap up of the day to Scott…
I came in from a lap just after Lorraine left and young Nick headed out on his last effort. By now there where many tired and weary bodies around. Attrition was taking its toll with riders out from injury and mechanicals but team SPR was soldiering on, with Ryan and Johnny still putting in good lap times.
With Nick out on lap 8 and just over an hour left I was counting down the time to see how many more we could fit in. At this end of the race timing is critical, can you fit in that extra lap or will you smash yourself for nothing and miss the cutoff by secounds. 1 racer did such and missed the clock by 3 seconds. Unfortunately the day had taken its toll on our young rider and I only had enough time for 1 more before kicking back to watch Ryan and the other riders try to beat the clock. The day finished with some big efforts by riders trying to beat the clock and a few fast laps recorded. SPR finished the day in 1 piece with team SPR Mud wrestlers completing 12 laps to get 6th in their category and SPR Young & Younger taking 50th. Also 2 other riders that make an appearance on SPR weekend rides raced the event with us as well. Chris Brown & Peter Gill fresh from the Alice Enduro entered the day as solo riders and must be commended for their efforts, now to get them into SPR kit.
All in all a good day had by all. Nick enjoyed himself greatly and looks to be an up and coming racer, and it was good to see Ryan make an event as well. The next race in the Enduro series will be the Ferguson Valley 4hr on July 25th. It would be great to get a bigger showing of SPR riders along. We know there are a number of closet MTB riders out there so make yourselves known and join the fun.
Sunday 30th May heralds this year’s Wembley Cycles 6hr. This is the 2nd race in the Enduro series, to be held at Langford park, Jarrahdale, just south of Byford.
After SPRs good turnout at the 4hr, we’re hoping for even more at the 6hr. There are 3 types of entry – Solo, Duo or Trio. Already a few have entered as solo riders for the day. If your not up to doing it solo and would like to form a team, let me know in the comments and we can organise a few teams. Check here for entry options. We will have the SPR team tent setup in the transition zone as well.
Online entry for the event closes next Tuesday 25th May, but you can still enter on the day with an extra fee. Full details are available on the event page. If you would like to ride the course in advance it has already been marked, so knock yourselves out. If you head down this weekend you will find plenty of others doing the same. I rode some of the course the other week and its definately looking good.
Now that we have had some recovery its time for the write-up. Sunday was a beautiful day for the fat tyre flyers to be out and about, while the hills riders were out early suffering a bit of a ‘light breeze’, we were out on the golf course soaking up the sun. But this golf course was short on greens.
A number of the Roulers like to delve into this off road excitement as well as the road, along for the day sporting our colours were Dave S, Nigel, Mike B (his 1st time), Stewie (along with his team mate Duncan) and myself. Peter G also decided to join us after his morning triathlon (glutton for punishment) and Nigel’s mate Chris.
Nigel got there early and grabbed the flattest spot he could find for the team tent, while the rest of us trickled in. Registration was a quick & painless task and then we settled in and discussed tactics (which went out the window). As the time ticked down we headed to the start which was to be interesting, 150 riders into a space that could fit maybe 4, but everyone seemed to get thru without incident. The 1st lap was a bit slow going as the field spread themselves out, but by the 2nd there was more room to breathe.
The course was classified as a beginners, but had a few nice technical areas to test those who wanted a bit more. The main sections that caught most were a bridge crossing on a tight corner, where many opted to get off and walk, this was followed closely by a short, sharp, nasty downhill that caused many a pinch flat. Every lap i did (bar 1) there was at least 2 riders repairing flats. It took in much of the old Jorgensen Park golf course and a few of the surrounding fire trails. Beginning slippery and quite rocky the course did cleanup a bit with use but did become very dusty. John Carney did a good job with this course and we look forward to the future Enduros.
As for how we all did, I managed to drag myself thru 6 laps of fun, including a nice stack on the 3rd and was aiming for 7 til i flatted. Stewie and Duncan manged 12laps in the team duo category securing a placing and scoring some gloves for their prize. Mike B smashed out a decent number of laps, 7 i think before he decided he had had enough for his 1st time. Not sure how many Peter G got but his efforts plus the Tri beforehand and being the good samaritan on course scored him a set of Nitelights. I’m not sure of the laps for the other lads but they all did more than me.
During the course of the event SPR got a mention for such a strong showing, so hopefully we can build on this at future events. It was good to see the team kit out and I know all had an enjoyable day. Also thanks to Michelle B and Nigel’s son for being support crew & photographers.
