Tag Archives: mtb

Cape to Cape MTB Race

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The Cape to Cape MTB race is a stand out event in the Australian racing calendar and sells out well before closing date. Short riding days and Winery/Brewery finishes attract all levels of rider from national elite racers to beginners. So get training, its a great race on mint single track and fire trail. ( plus a little bit of sand )

Cape to Cape MTB Race 23-26th October – http://capetocapemtb.com/
Stage 1: Thursday 23 October, 2014 Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse to Hamelin Bay (Approx 40km) Start Time: 12:30pm.

Stage 2: Friday 24 October, 2014 Hamelin Bay to Xanadu Winery (Approx 60km) Start Time: 8:00am

PRO Red Bull Shootout: Friday 24 October, 2014 Margaret River Pines (4:30pm-6:00pm) Start Time: 4:30pm

Stage 3: Saturday 25 October, 2014 Xanadu Winery to Colonial Brewery (Approx 50km) Start Time: 8:00am

Stage 4: Sunday 26 October, 2014 Colonial Brewery to Dunsborough Country Club
(Approx 60km) Start Time: 8:00am

SPR is affiliated with Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) to join MTBA from Cycling Australia  you can ‘ Value Add ‘ your membership.The process is as follows:

Step 1: Download the Cycling Australia paper membership form here.
Step 2: Complete the form.
Step 3: Post directly to Cycling Australia with payment (go here for fee) and remember to include a copy of your current MTBA Membership card (with more than three months to expiry).

Training Rides (3 Hours)

To help your preparation for Cape to Cape there will be a number of training rides open to SPR members of all ability levels. Equipment you will need is:

  1. A serviceable and maintained mountain bike. ( the ride leaders won’t have time or spares to do trail side servicing)
  2. Backpack for hydration, food, spares, tubes, first aid kit, etc.
  3. Lights for night rides. ( bar and helmet works best, 300 lumen minimum )

26 July 13:00
Kalamunda Camel Farm

2 August  13:00
John Forrest Tavern – Heritage Trail

10 August 13:00
Kalamunda Camel Farm

17 August 13:00
Kalamunda Camel Farm

20 September 08:00
Kalamunda Coles – Old Faithful loop

4 October 13:00
John Forrest Tavern – Heritage Trail

12 October 13:00
Kalamunda Camel Farm 

OPTIONAL NIGHT Rides (2 Hours)

06 August 18:00
Kalamunda Camel Farm

03 September 18:00
Kalamunda Coles 2-3 hr ride – Old Faithful loop

10 September 18:00
Kalamunda Camel Farm

01 October 18:00
Kalamunda Coles  2-3 hr ride – Old Faithful loop

A number of urban MTB rides are available, but will not be sanctioned SPR rides, email Nigel  for details. rexb73@hotmail.com

If there is enough interest from our female members, a womens skills clinic can be arranged.

 

See you out there. Nigel (aka Aloysius Parker)

 

 

ABSA Cape Epic 2014

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The ABSA Cape Epic is regarded as one of, if not the hardest multi day mountain bike races in the world and is the only HC rated UCI race for MTB. World and National Champions in XC, Enduro, and Marathon MTB as well as ex TDF and continental road riders compete in teams of 2 for 8 days in South Africa’s Western Cape. Start chuteIn 2014 the Cape Epic covered 730km and over 14850m climbing on single track, district road, road, fire trail and unrideable goat path that forced even the Pro riders to walk.

Note this is a ride report not a race report; Nino Schurter, Christoph Sauser, Karl Platt and Jose Hermeida rode for glory, we rode to finish.

Team Wembley Cycles – Nigel Adcock and Dr Mark Oliver (Johannesburg, RSA) reunited to race in Masters; we had previously teamed up in 2011 after a brief courtship of cyclist internet dating.

 

Prologue- 23km 700m.Prologue profile

We started our ride at Mirrendal Wine Estate (Durbanville) through a stair drop between eager spectators. Single track and jeep trail led into “Stairway to Heaven” a punchy switch back climb to the high point of the day, Doc and I settled back into a steady rhythm. Due to heavy work commitments we hadn’t managed to ride together before the race, a comfortable tempo past hundreds of spectators had us gain over 200m climbing in 2km, a thigh burning start. Nearing the top of the climb they announced:” Team Wembley Cycles from Western Australia, Dr Mark Oliver and Nigel Adcock all the way from Papua New Guinea, where they are cannibals and eat people!”.

I suspect Doc had set me up, he claimed ignorance, the Cape Town crowd were in stitches!

World champ We were warned that the quarry had sharp rocks and passed the first punctures of the race. Doc had organized a 10:20am start chute so we could sleep in, predictably the racing snakes started to filter through, trying to improve their seeding for Stage 1, by and large the PRO riders were polite and passed easy, it was MAILM’s just down a level that were just dangerous. Doc is a big guy, and let them know, a dangerous pass means a short trip into the fynbos (body guards are good!)

It was a reasonable start; we were riding our way into a long week. Rain was forecast in Robertson for the next 2 days,it was a very un-Epic like start to 2014.

1profStage1-108km2950m. Robertson-Robertson

As Epic veterans we were prepared for rain,our tents were given an extra tarpaulin layer and WA mates from Speedlite Cycles had a rainproof tent city built. The course profile showed us exactly how the day eventually panned out, unrideable 20% rocky hills that we walked, so we could ride mountains later in the week.

1nigDoc is fast on descents and I could safely ride just off his wheel,we ate up the downhills! I ended up with front brake fade and assumed it was overheated fluid (not good on a super steep drop when your partner is on a speed mission), arms aching, ass cheeks scraping rear wheel we had at tidy finish today.

Doc’s fast downhilling had us up almost 100places GC and 33 Masters, ending up in start group C for the remainder of the race. Doc didn’t notice his frame had been warranty replaced,(A whole new Trek hard tail); only when he queried the mechanic where the stickers went on his bike did they give him the good news. #See note about Doc’s cranks!

 

2profStage2-101km1550m. Robertson – Robertson

The race director called this a transition day, supposedly undulating small hills on single track,linked with district(dirt)road.Instead it was a brutal wake up,wet and rainy.

Having survived 2012 “worst day in epic history” Doc and I were prepared. Pace lines were useless in the rooster tail of mud,echelon riding seemed to work moving us along. 10km into the stage I totally lost the front brake; (brakes are over rated anyway) I ran the rear brake till it started to skid and then hoped for the best.

aamudWe decided it was a survival day,stay warm,stay safe and maintain our position. It was so muddy on the trail our sunglasses were useless, but needing a barrier just the same because I wear contact lenses.

At one point, there was clay so thick our wheels wouldn’t spin in the rear triangle,we watched a”hero” hard pedal, then explode his chain into 3 pieces, that teams race was over with the next repair station over 20km away.

Doc was having trouble with power in his legs,having to expend watts just to turn the wheels over sapping his energy.We held together and tagged onto a Belgian roadie bunch that dragged us for 10km to the finish.  A much needed shower after today!

 3prfStage 3 – 110km 1800 m. Robertson – Greyton The weather had improved overnight; it was still a very un-Cape Epic temperature. I was complaining to anyone that would listen that I’d trained for heat with 40 degree endurance rides, I wanted the Europeans to suffer not thrive! Magura did a warranty replacement of my MT8 brakes,so now I could actually punch downhill safely. We reversed a 7km power line climb we had rode up in a previous year, technical and rutted we tapped our way up. Doc let me off the leash on the descent and as good mate Pete Gill had done previously,I bombed pasta white knuckled Alain Prost in loose baby head rocks,so much fun!docnig3

The headwind picked up to 40km/h so we joined in with a mixed euro bunch not once being asked to do work over multiple km. Docs legs started to fade so we dropped off, I went to the front. (I have trouble with surging when on the front, so Doc patiently guided my pacing). ‘Up ‘down ‘easy ‘speed up’ what ever worked to keep us going down the road.

nig3It was frustrating for me, and annoying for him getting dropped, but we worked it out. I finally had to call it quits,(a team alone in a head wind sucks-my legs were burning up and Doc couldn’t help), after a food stop I asked him flat out if we could hide in a bunch.Euro roadies came to the rescue again, we amalgamated into a group of 30, with a tailwind HEAVEN!

We hit single track and I lead Docs good mates Joel Stransky &Stefan Terblanche(ex Springboks) through sweet twisting creek bed trail. Those lads were on a mission; we dropped off and finished our hardest day so far.

prfl4Stage4-88km1850m. Greyton – Greyton The start chute talk was of a big day 5, the race was starting to hurt teams with so much energy expended earlier in the week. Steep, punchy climbing was on the cards. Up through farming paddock we climbed steadily onto a rock flagstone jeep track and were rewarded with a spectacular view back across to Greyton.

Serengeti descent was 5km of pure single track bliss,at the bottom I asked Doc if we could get the helicopter and do it again. Switch back climbing and more switchback single track descent, just joy to ride. sernget4I had to start pushing Doc on the hills, my small arm on his back, spinning little ring. The other teams stated we looked ridiculous, him 6’4 and 95kg with a 70kg Pygmy working our way on the steeps. sern4To protect him on the flat I stayed on the front in headwind when I could. He firmly told me to use the HR monitor to not push too far and blow up with 3 stages to go.It was a great day with lots of single track to keep us happy.

 

 

prf5

 

Stage 5-110km 2900m Greyton – Elgin

It was called “The Queen”, hot 28 degrees and so much climbing after a long week. I just loved today, a solid day of climbing! We headed across the valley and kept going up and up. We kept our pace even and worked our way to water point 1, through orchards and around to ‘Rusty Gate’,high point of Cape Epic2 014.rg52It loomed menacingly in front of us, Doc told me to wait for him when I wanted, technically we broke the rules,rg51 I would ride ahead and take photos or stop in the shade. I couldn’t push him, the trail was just too steep, it was a solo climb to ride at his own pace. I watched riders imploding in the heat with their nutrition and hydration wrong, people crying with cramp slumped over handlebars. There was still 50km to go!

We breezed through water point 2 and 3 and started up Groenlandberg, Doc got a flat tire that we plugged to save time. It kept leaking, finally taking a finger size amount of plugs.We finished the day with a walk up 20% hill. I was in good spirits,Tanya and Wilhem ( my wife and 6 yr old son) had arrived from OZ,we were finished with tent city,B&B king beds and goose down pillow for the next 2 days.

 

 

Stage 6 – 85km 1800m Elgin – Elgin There is a 10 min gap between each start wave so sometime, though too rarely,you get a perfect moment, in a race of 1300 competitors to ride a majority of the day alone.ser4On the first major descent of 7km we hit 50km/h, just full gas through rocks, it stayed quiet into Thandi MTB park so we railed ‘hero dirt’ berms thinking it couldn’t get better.So many races we had been in a conga line of slow riders, nervous breaking for every obstacle, today, one special day in Elgin we had open single track just flow and burn.

Doc and I rode into Paul Cluver Amphitheater a wooden stunt park,spectators lined up including Pete Gill (2012 CE partner and best mate), techno music blared as we negotiated elevated obstacles, no pressure though!!!6

We had sacrificed time and placing today, open trail was too good to waste. It was worth every trail we got to ourselves.

A perfect day on the bike.

 

prf7

Stage 7 – 65km 1800m, Elgin – Lourensford

It was hard to leave a warm king bed and head out into the rain, I only felt a little sorry for Michael, Kelvin and their partners in tent city. I did miss the traditional 5 am race wake up; a haunting lament of bagpipes playing “Auld Lang Syne “, in the morning fog it’s truly a beautiful sight.

We grabbed our bikes from secure bike storage and joined our week long friends in start chute C,it was a deliberate choice not to line up front of grid,there would be no chasing bunches with Doc’s bike issue. 7The day’s highpoint came early with the Newberg climb, not far from the start my seat post had slipped,I told Doc to ride on and I would catch him at the top.It took longer than I thought, with cold wet hands.I set off to find him, giving weary teams with smashed legs a cruel shock of big ring power racing past them,it felt awesome to ride hard!

Doc and I took in the sights and smells of pine forest trail and open sandy jeep track leading to the compulsory portage.We were just under half way done and could see across the valley to Somerset West, dropping down into twisting single track we raced into water point 2 where a smiling Pete urged us on with“there’s beer at the finish “. The route took us right up underneath the mountains again and then turned down across the plain to Lourensford, Dr Evil threw in a couple kilometer’s of deep sandy track and rocky riverbed, to keep us honest.

 

My first proper crash of the race came 2km from the finish line, bouncing off a cut tree stump I flung into the bush, Doc rounded the corner to see me scrambling back on the bike cackling and yelling “ I’m ok,I’m ok “. We could hear the helicopters by now, rounding the final turn I grabbed the Papua New Guinea Flag stuffed in my jersey and proud salty tears flowed as we rode down the finish chute. I spotted my little boy Wil perched up on Pete’s shoulders, to have the family and best friends at the finish was overwhelming, I was just beaming from ear to ear! 7fin

 A fist bump with Doc and we were done,Cape Epic over.

I’m the first Papua New Guinean to complete at Cape Epic,1st PNG and 4th Australian to complete 3. I’ve joined Doc as an Amabubesi part of the“ Pack of Lions “and  after 5 Cape Epic’s he is done with this crazy race.To the outsider it may look like I’ve retired from racing Cape Epic as well, the race does take its toll. It’s a heavy family commitment to dedicate your life to months of training: Using annual leave for block riding, early mornings, big days and taking a foam roller to family get together s becomes normal.

For 8 days all that matters is fuelling your body and willing your mind to ride the same pristine trail as World Champs, celebrities and people from all over the world. We cover the same distance; climb the same mountains in the same weather to become Cape Epic finishers. In my opinion it carries the same weight, the front pack Pro or the tail end Clydesdale. It has always been about the journey.

In truth I love the suffering, I call those long hot training rides in the hills“ Tempering”,I burn my body and mind day after day, to harden it to what the race will bring. So I don’t suffer as much in Africa. So,for now, I’ll keep entering the lottery and if successful I’ll ride each year until my body or commitment doesn’t hold.

Cape Epic for me encompasses that infinite human capacity to endure,to keep going when every part of your being tells you to stop.But finding away; if you can hold your nerve, to endure! To make promises, ‘next water point’, ‘next rise’, ‘one more day’. In those times,by your side is an equal partner,spurring you on,because your common goal is to finish together.

What I’ve learned from riding 3 Cape Epic’s –

1/ Riding for, not against your partner, takes mutual respect. We watched Speedlite cycles (Michael Kerklaan and Kelvin Little both acclaimed national and state XC/marathon/24hour riders)on different stages truly sacrifice themselves for each other. Michaels crank fell apart stage 2so Kelvin pushed and dragged him 20km to a mechanic stop. Later in the week Michael shepherded gastro stricken Kelvin to a triumphant Cape Epic finish(he’d been on a drip overnight and eaten minimal food over 2 day)

2/There’s no medal for finishing alone.It’s a hollow race to ride day after day as an Outcast.

3/ Get a daily massage and ice bath if available, recovery is key to backing up day after day

4/ Eat like your race depends on it, because it truly does. You can’t eat enough for the energy expended, its about limiting the losses.

5/ I’m not that fast or a short course rider. I love a big day climbing into the hills or mountains.That’s why Cape Epic appeals; I’ve had access to remote private land and national park, ridden insane back to back days in distance and climbing with scenery that takes my breath away.

6/The best times are shared moments with people just like me,pushing their limits,seeing that drive and determination. Physically and emotionally spent but finding something in themselves that drives them on, a revolution, meter, climb or day at a time.

7/ I have always come to the race with flexible expectations. I’ve learned quite early on that cautious riders finish a Cape Epic; you make your own luck by being thoroughly fit, preparing and recovering well with no preconceived plans on weather conditions. Sure, the Western Cape is generally hot, but to never train in wind or rain ill advised.

8/ We always plan race strategy to conserve energy for the whole 8 days, with some in the bank for problems like Doc’s crank (if we had spent 4 days at full gas,I wouldn’t have had the strength to push him up the hills). I was never on the front, unless it was Doc and I alone, our pace went up and down gradually, no smashing the legs. Making sure we used the draft in a pack and never, ever riding side by side. On climbs,settling into an even tempo.

9/ Each day is only one crash or mechanical or medical problem away from a DNF.

10/ Get a mechanic, a good one! That that stocks all the spares needed for your bike. Have 50% more brake pads than you think are needed.

I need to thank the following people and I’m sure I’ve missed a few trying to get this report finished:

Tanya,Theo and Wilhem, my family- Endurance training is a truly selfish endeavor and shift work doesn’t help,the chores I don’t do and the family time I’ve missed. It’s telling when you’re youngest sons ‘ imaginary ‘ friend doesn’t have a father. Thank you for letting me follow a dream, and joining me on the finish line.

Epic partners – Mark and Pete, it’s been an honour and a privilege to share trail together. The highs and lows of stage racing and still keeping our friendship intact. I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to ride with two exceptional MTB riders.

Wembley Cycles- JC and all of the crew for their technical expertise,mechanical advice and shop rides.

Steve Trott (Hot to Trott sport performance) – The functional training Master.” Work;till I tell you we’re done!” still rings in my ears.Sessions that I thought I wouldn’t survive!

Damien Oldmeadow (Star Physiotherapy) – Sorting my back and bike fit,no saddle sores,bad back, nerve pain or numb arm.

Steve Steele (UPBEET) – Loving that purple endurance fuel

Mark Codner- Mentor and friend,a true MTB legend,always ready with training and racing advice.

All the lads -Gilly Chris,Gregor,Grant,Jake and IOAR.

SPR – As a club and each individual, it’s a group of people from UCI racers to juniors on training wheels, but collectively a place top ush limits,build volume,learn about cycling and forge friendships on and off the bike. As a frequently absent member, I love SPR and what the club represents. Thank you El PRes the committee and all the riders.

# THE OTHER CAPE EPIC STORY TO TELL

Stage1 Doc had his frame replaced on Warranty.He had complained is legs were weak, not climbing well and generally just under performing. It took our good mate Lance Stephenson from The Epic bike shop to find the problem. It was never Doc’s fitness, he was as strong as ever, there was a mechanical issue his Normal bike mechanic didn’t pick up! Lance is a gun mechanic,previously wrenching for UCI pro “Team Bulls”,after so many complaints about Doc’s power and stamina after a day in the saddle Lance took a look at Docs bike. The Trek went for a long test ride and Lance found a problem with his cranks, they were seizing up, but only after a long ride!

It turned out the BB was installed with a spacer missing, with torque applied to the BB on fitment; load was induced on the bearing causing interference.There was only slight friction,so a normal spin during bike service didn’t pick the problem up. But, after a long period of riding, due to the interference the BB bearing and crank would heat up and it would bind on the crankshaft. Lance found on the test ride that eventually you couldn’t turn the crank by hand without great force.

Doc didn’t have a leg problem; he was loosing watts from a badly fitted BB.It was day 5 by the time Lance found the problem,he scoured the mechanic village for a suitable replacement but there was none to be had, so we finished our race with Doc’s bad BB/crank!

Any mistakes omissions or grammatical errors are my own. Its a big race so apologies for a long report, if you’re still with me the link to Hires team photos is : https://www.flickr.com/photos/yeti_101/sets/72157644379535241/

A good friend told me “You need to finish The Epic with your life,your body and your relationships intact; there is life after Cape Epic “. Thank you Doc,I’m forever in your debt.

I’ll see you all on the bike, keep the rubber side down. Nige

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Superwestige Round 3

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The only Cyclocross racing in the west is back!

Inspired by the hardcore winter racing all around the world, Greg has developed a uniquely Aussie track to be raced as the state championships on the 18th of August at Garvey Park Belmont.

Cyclocross is a mixture of road and mountain bike racing, incorporating obstacles which must be dismounted and run past, and fast open sections. The courses are excellent for spectators, and you’ll be able to see the whole race from the comfort of your camping chair, not to mention getting some beers and cowbells out to cheer or heckle.

The elite and support categories are restricted to those riding a Cyclocross bike. That means drop bars, and tyres no wider than 35mm. Yes, that means your road bike is also a cyclocross bike! All the courses will be able to be ridden on a road bike, although perhaps not as fast as on a specialist machine. Dont have a cross bike? Never fear, bring you mountain bike down and race a dirt crit in the open class.

If you have a Cycling Australia Licence, please email Greg Murison – gr.murison@gmail.com with details and what grade you would like to race, and I will allocate you a number based on you showing me your licence on the day. You do not need to buy a day licence if you are registered with Cycling Australia.

This race is the final race of the Superwestige season, and doubles as the state championships.

Registration – racing from 1400

Here are some highlights from Round 2 to whet the taste buds

Wembley 6hr Mountain Bike Enduro

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10:26 Saturday:

The sound of a message arriving on the phone just as I am heading out to drop Thomas to a friends birthday party after the Saturday morning rides

craig01

It took me about 63 minutes to reply to that

I gingerly mentioned it to Geraldine and as always was met with absolute support for the planned and also unplanned last minute things I generally am able to get myself tied up in.

The weather was looking a little dicey so thoughts moved to preparation, grab the gazebo for shelter, deck chairs at Jay’s request. We will need the Weber for hot food dear, thoughts of bacon and egg burgers in between laps start rolling through my mind. Extra k’s means chocolate will be allowed hhhmmmm Marvellous Creations Jelly Popping Candy Beanies (if you haven’t tried it you haven’t lived).

A quick call at 18:30 to finalise preparations, supermarket run for supplies pack the trailer and we were set to go.

Geraldine the boys and I arrived at Langford Park at about 08:00 set up camp.

Rest and food area
Rest and food area

We weren’t expecting Jay until 08:30 then we would go down and register 08:30 comes and goes but no sign of the 2nd team mate. A quick call confirms he is just a few minutes away. Once Jay arrived we headed down to the “late registration” side of the tent, Jay aptly named our team “Just Waiting on a mate”. The first aid crew had been held up which delayed the start by 30 minutes, giving us a chance to set up settle in and prepare. Jay was to take the first lap and we would go with one lap each for the duration.

Jay:  Lap one was slow slow slow. Never again will I start in the back half for a race. A true test of patience, but I got through composed and without any dummy spits or reckless behaviour.

Second lap I had more or less a free run and was totally hooking, till I endo’d over a log stack. Wasn’t too sure what was going on after that but I saw some guys with mountain bikes and numbers on the front so guessed I must be in a race, jumped on and kept going.

Laps 3, 4, 5: What an absolute blast. Torrential rain on a sweet fast flowing trail. I got my lap times down almost to 30 mins, and every part of me covered in mud.

Big props to Craig for the rest station set-up and turning up for punishment at short notice. Great to see a couple other SPR boys on the dirt as well.

Craig:  I waited anxiously at the transition area for Jay to come in from the first lap, my MTB career consisting of a total of five rides around the Dunsborough tracks during the school holidays in May. Jay appeared from within a bunch of other riders and I was up and rolling. Jay had some quick advice to “smoke as many as you can on the fire breaks” and off I went. The track was very friendly and not too technical which allowed me to warm up comfortably and settle in. Passing a few riders here and there and there was the first fire break and a left hander to a slight up hill where I got passed a few more riders surprisingly if you know me and hills. For the most part there was a group of three of us myself on the front closely followed by one of the female riders and another guy; I kept them entertained with my most spectacular manoeuvre of the day while launching over a log and getting all crossed up landing off the track, stalling the bike and realising I was still on two wheels rode through some scrub and back onto the track with much encouragement form the lady behind me.

Note to self when you want to have a drink while mountain biking just stop! During this episode of drinking many Evil Kinevel impersonations were attempted with the laying across the handle bars trick resulting in one lost garmin.

Craig (all clean) at the staging area
Craig (all clean) at the staging area

The rest of lap one and lap 2 finished without to many more interruptions.

At the completion of lap 2 I find myself glaring at the S-Works demo bikes and the next thing you know my pedals are off and being fitted to a S-Works Epic Carbon yahoo, As John from Wembley Cycles is doing this he looks down and notices my empty Garmin mount and casually asks have you lost a Garmin me: yep John: 510? Me: yep John: over there on top of the box has a spr hale road or something course? Me: awesome thanks.

So Lap three sees me out on a ten thousand dollar mountain bike it doesn’t get much better than this! I had to slow down very near the start and settle into the new bike as it flowed and loved the track more than I was prepared to let it at this stage. Somewhere about half way around the track there was one section I had not been able to navigate successfully on the 2 previous laps and this wasn’t going to change this lap either unfortunately. After my fist two laps were completed with the exact sale time of 32min 48secs I came in on the third lap at 31min 01 sec on the Epic.

Craig heading off on the S-Works Epic
Craig heading off on the S-Works Epic

Lap 4 saw things slow a lot with a torrential down poor which soon saw the track turning to a river a lot of the way, searching the memory banks for those slippery tree roots now hidden by water. The section I had struggled with on the 3 earlier laps was finally conquered with out stopping and going feet down. After tagging off with Jay the realisation sets in that due to the timing Jay should return with just a few minutes to spare to allow me time for one more lap.

Lap 5 Sure enough Jay comes in with about 36 minutes remaining on the clock just the right amount of time to complete one more uneventful but enjoyable lap.

Craig (now dirty) on his last lap
Craig (now dirty) on his last lap
Jay about to be attacked by an EWOK
Jay about to be attacked by an EWOK

 

SPR Dirt Club - Rob, Jarard, Craig & Jay
SPR Dirt Club – Rob, Jarard, Craig & Jay

Superwestige Round 1

The only Cyclocross racing in the west is back!

1400 this Sunday (Jun 16th) at Success Hill Reserve, Bassendean.

Inspired by the hardcore winter racing all around the world, we’ve shifted to winter and found 3 great venues, culminating in a uniquely aussie track to be raced as the state championships on the 18th of August.

Cyclocross is a mixture of road and mountain bike racing, incorporating obstacles which must be dismounted and run past, and fast open sections. The courses are excellent for spectators, and you’ll be able to see the whole race from the comfort of your camping chair, not to mention.

The elite and support categories are restricted to those riding a Cyclocross bike. That means drop bars, and tyres no wider than 35mm. Yes, that means your road bike is also a cyclocross bike! All the courses will be able to be ridden on a road bike, although perhaps not as fast as on a specialist machine. Dont have a cross bike? Never fear, Focus Bikes have stepped on board as a sponsor and will have some demo bikes at the races for you to try, and the open class can be raced on your mountain bike.

If you have a Cycling Australia Licence, please email me gr.murison@gmail.com with details and what grade you would like to race, and I will allocate you a number based on you showing me your licence on the day. You do not need to buy a day licence if you are registered with Cycling Australia.

This race is the first race of the Superwestige season, and will be followed in July by the race in Bardon Park Maylands, and in August with the state championships at Garvey Park, Belmont.

Entries here
https://www.registernow.com.au/mtba/ERegister.aspx?E=1535

PMBC & Rock ‘n’ Roll Mountain Biking Presents Giant Bicycles XC Club Race 1

mtbWell it’s that time of year again. MTB season is upon us and the 1st race of the season is a PMBC Club race next weekend 17th March at Langford Mountain Bike Park, Jarrahdale.
Show on Google maps: Meeting point.

As we progress towards being an MTBA affiliated club lets get a few members down there in the kit for the 1st race of the year.

This series is proudly being organized and supported by Rock ‘n’ Roll Mountain Biking and the series is proudly being sponsored and supported by Giant Bicycles Australia.
Rego 

Is now open at: https://www.registernow.com.au/mtba/ERegister.aspx?E=1392

The race entries are $15.00 for all grades. A current MTBA membership is required to race. A day license can be purchased if you don’t have a MTBA membership. Entries close at 11 pm Thursday 14/3/2013. There is a $20 late fee for entering on the day (NO Exceptions).

Race Classes
The club races will be run as mixed classes. The idea is to hopefully have some exciting, fun and close racing. It will give you the chance to race against riders not normally in your class and to grade yourself for the upcoming state rounds. Below is a guide to help you determine which class would best suit you.
A Grade = Elite Men, Expert Men, Top 3-5 Masters, Top 5 Vets (30 to 50 riders)
B Grade = Elite women, 5 – 10 masters, 6 – Vets Men, Top 3 Sport Men (40 to 50 riders)
C Grade = Expert Women, Super masters, Sport Etc (40 to 50 riders)
D Grade = Sport women, Juniors etc (40 to 50 riders)
Please note: we will change your class if we feel you are clearly in the wrong grade.

Race Distances
The courses will be shorter and faster tracks. We will be trying to keep the racing close and fun, so the tracks will reflect this, with fast flowing single-track and limited climbing.
A and B Grades= Approx 1.30hrs
C and D Grades= Approx 1.00hrs
We will set the number of laps for each grade once the course has been selected.

Race Day Schedule
Registration = 8am to 9am (collect race numbers)
C and D Grades= 9:15am (first wave)
A and B Grades= 10.45am (second wave)
Presentations = 12.30 pm (or a bit earlier if possible)

Giant Bikes Test Bikes
As part of their sponsorship Giant will be at both races with a range of test bikes. Feel free to test one of their great bikes; just remember to bring your pedals, drivers licence and credit card for a ride.

Fundraising: Gold Coin Donation.

Once again BBQ and Drinks will be provided by Rock and Roll Mountain Biking. We ask you to bring a gold coin donation; all money raised will be used for junior development and trail maintenance with PMBC.

Rubbish
DEC will be removing rubbish bins from some DEC managed properties, including Langford Park. Please take your rubbish home with you PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE. If you don’t, one of the PMBC volunteers has to. Rubbish cannot stay on site after we have left. That goes for gels and bars, it’s not the world championships, please don’t discard your wraps on the race track.

Perth MTB Club Announces Winter Cyclocross

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The Midvale speed dome and Perth Mountain Bike Club will play host to the second round of the Focus Bikes Wintercross on Saturday the 8th of September from 3pm. With both red hot competition, and plenty of fun to be had in all grades, there are plenty of reasons to come down to the speed dome and see what we’ve got planned.

 For just $10, you’ll get to experience a great afternoon of racing, heckling, cheering or pedalling whatever you choose. See the video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2DZeLk5s20&feature=youtube_gdata_player) for what to expect.

 For this round, we’ll also be running the Minicross kids race (suitable for 9years and up), as well as Ladies, C, B and A grades. Focus Bikes are generously providing lots of prizes too, so get out there and see if you can bag some schwag!

 The course is designed to be friendly for road bikes, mtb’s, hybrids or whatever you have, although if you have a cyclocross bike, this is your chance to get it out and show it off.

 You can wear cycling attire, fancy dress or what your mum dressed you in, whichever makes you faster or happier. If you’re planning on taking part or making one of your nearest and dearest do so then you will need to bring a competition license (you can use your CA, MTBA or BMXA accreditation).

 It’ll be a great afternoon with a BBQ and drinks being held afterwards so you can share stories of your race with fellow competitors and spectators. We’ll also be saying farewell to WA CX stalwarts Claire and Paul Aubrey, who are leaving for wetter, colder pastures in Canberra.

 Perth MTB Club are particularly keen to get more girls racing so don’t be shy, there are plenty of other ladies to swap your stories with and there is certainly nothing to be afraid of.

 Many bike shops are willing to help you with an affordable cross bike and races have riders in them from all skill levels, including plenty of people giving it a go for the first time. Organisers Greg and Paul are offering to answer any questions or even help with some practice so don’t hesitate to get in touch with them at gr.murison@gmail.com.

 They will also be running a CX skills clinic on Saturday 1 September at 3pm at the speed dome if you’re not sure about what to do. Bookings are essential.

For those thinking of riding the BWA ‘Hell of the north’ this would be great practice in a controlled environment.

PMBC and Avanti Plus Cannington – State XCO Round 4

We are now well and truly into the XCO racing calendar, but don’t stress this is a great beginners course. The perfect opportunity to dip your toe in the water and give MTB racing a go. With minimal elevation this track is designed to be fast and fun. With recent trail maintenance and some minor upgrades, this race will be a lot of fun for new and seasoned riders. Get on board and come give it a go. Hope to see some of you there representing SPR.

Enter off “Freemans Road” (not Bandicoots road).
REMEMBER THERE IS NO PARKING ON FREEMANS ROAD, THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.
The race is NOT based out of the Marrinup camp ground as it previously has been.
Race parking is on the old Golf course.
Race village, registration and start/finish are all based off the golf course.
2 toilets will be on site on the golf course so you won’t have to go back to the camp grounds.

A massive thankyou to DEC and the Murray Districts Carriage Driving Club (horse and carriage that is) for allowing us to use this area.

Entries

Entries are open and can be found here and closes at 8 PM on Thursday 24 May 2012
The race entries are $15.00 for juniors and $20.00 for seniors. If you don’t already have 1 there will also be a $5 plate fee. There is a $20 late fee for entering on the day (NO Exceptions).

Race Numbers

This $5.00 goes directly to WAMBA to fund projects like trail advocacy, legalizing and signing trails.
The number you purchase for this first race is your number for the whole season. You keep this number and bring it to each PMBC race from here on. Points are allocated based on THIS number, please do not forget to take it to the next PMBC races.

U9 and U13’s

Entries for Under 13’s are online for members only. If you are an Under 9 or Under 13 and not a PMBC or MTBA member then please enter on the day, as the day licence is only $5 on the day (and $20 online) and there is no entry cost for these classes. (Please note: there is a one off $5 plate fee).

Race Directions

Use Google maps to make your way there. Just drop these co-ordinates into the search box. ( -32.694884,116.032705)

Enter off “Freemans Road” (not Bandicoots road).
REMEMBER THERE IS NO PARKING ON FREEMANS ROAD, THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.

Race Distances

Even though the UCI and MTBA rules have changed, the race times will remain basically the same as they always have been for our PMBC races. Race times, laps and start times will be listed below. Race Day Schedule;   *Times may change depending on conditions on the day
Registration = 0800 to 0900 (collect race numbers)
U9 and U13 start = 9000
U9 and U13 presentations = 0930
First wave start = 0940
Second wave start = 1100
Presentations = 1330  (or a bit earlier if possible)

Also Avanti Plus Cannington will be running a demo day on all the Avanti & Scott range. SO if your in the market for a new ride or just want to try something different follow the link for more details.

Further info.

PMBC Presents Barry’s Block – Cycletrek Mountain Biking State XCO Round 3

With the 1st two races of the season out of the way we are almost reaching mid season, but don’t stress there is still a chance for you to race and get amongst the points. So get out there and show the club colours.

For those who have raced here before there have been a few changes to previous races. There are 4 new sections of trail, with an additional overtaking (fire road) section. The start/finish has been relocated to our camp ground area, all races will have 1 short lap in the respective race.The race track has been extended to around 6.4k, but still incorporating the tight single track, rock gardens and not forgetting ” over the edge” with an additional jump. It will be a challenge for the 29ers. The track will be open all day for practice on the 12th (Sat),but if the desire is there, the track is open all the time (coopers pale ale or a good red is the bribe).

Parking arrangements are also a little different, it will be a lot easier if people parked further up the fenceline as the start/finish line will be easily accessible (500m walk) but signs will show you the way.

For forest hygiene purposes, if it has rained by then (hopefully), riders MUST ensure their bikes are clean (dont forget under saddle and bottom bracket).

MUDDY BIKES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ENTRY TO THE PROPERTY.

PLEASE WASH YOU BIKE AS BEST AS YOU CAN AFTER PEMBERTON, WE WILL BE SUPPLYING A TROUGH WITH DISINFECTANT, PRIOR TO ENTERING THE FOREST, IT IS IMPORTANT TO USE THIS TO STOP THE SPREAD OF DIEBACK, THANK YOU.

The local store has closed down, so no food, grog or fuel is available. We will operate a mini cafe “the Coffee Rock Cafe”, supplying tea/ coffee / cool drinks / hot home made soup / muffins etc.

Mud map attached for directions – or www.cycletrek.com.au

Entries

Entries are open and can be found here.
The race entries are $15.00 for juniors and $20.00 for seniors. If you don’t already have 1 there will also be a $5 plate fee. There is a $20 late fee for entering on the day (NO Exceptions).

Race Numbers

This $5.00 goes directly to WAMBA to fund projects like trail advocacy, legalizing and signing trails.
The number you purchase for this first race is your number for the whole season. You keep this number and bring it to each PMBC race from here on. Points are allocated based on THIS number, please do not forget to take it to the next PMBC races.

U9 and U13’s

Entries for Under 13’s are online for members only. If you are an Under 9 or Under 13 and not a PMBC or MTBA member then please enter on the day, as the day licence is only $5 on the day (and $20 online) and there is no entry cost for these classes. (Please note: there is a one off $5 plate fee).

Race Directions

Use Google maps to make your way there – details found here: http://www.cycletrek.com.au/contact-us/

Race Distances

Even though the UCI and MTBA rules have changed, the race times will remain basically the same as they always have been for our PMBC races. Race times, laps and start times will be listed below. Race Day Schedule;   *Times may change depending on conditions on the day
Registration = 0900 to 1000 (collect race numbers)
U9 and U13 start = 1000
U9 and U13 presentations = 1030
First wave start = 1040
Second wave start = 1200
Presentations = 1430  (or a bit earlier if possible)

Further info.

Kalamunda Circuit Trail Opening and WAMBA AGM

Kalamunda Circuit Trail Opening

Join WAMBA, in conjunction with the Calamunnda Camel Farm, AvantiPlus Cannington and Cycle Instead BikeWeek, at the official opening of the Kalamunda Circuit trail, to be held at the Calamunnda Camel Farm, Paulls Valley Rd, nr Kalamunda (click here for directions) on Saturday 24th March.

As well as officially opening the trail at 1130, we will be organising a variety of activities throughout the morning including beginner skills clinics, mechanics sessions and guided rides. There are still some places left on these activiities see the WAMBA website for more details on how to register.

Upon completion of the morning rides and clinics we will be officially cutting the ribbon and opening the Kalamunda Circuit. This will be followed by a complementary sausage sizzle.

WAMBA AGM

Following the Kalamunda Circuit trail opening at 1230 on 24th March, WAMBA will be holding their AGM at the Camel Farm.

Here is a little more information about what being on the committe entails:

There is no minimum commitment of time. Do what you can. Do what you want.

We hold approx 10 meetings a year. Historically these have been on Tuesday evenings at the DSR in Leederville and last around 2 hours. You do not have to attend every meeting. We have experimented with using skype to talk with committee members who don’t live in Perth, but with mixed results.

All positions will be open for election at the AGM but we definitely need:

Vice-President – may have to stand in for the President at some meetings but other than that no responsibilities greater than that of a general committee member.

Treasurer – we have relatively few transactions. Most are dealt with by Register Now online payments.

General committee members – Could get involved with writing grant applications, liaising with landowners (DEC), coordinating a state series, fund raising and raising awareness at events and races, seeking funding from industry, anything else you want (organise social events/rides? merchandise? other fundraisers?)

It would be awesome to have someone on the committee who is passionate about Langford Park, Jarrahdale, and would like to take responsibility for there. Likewise the Goat Farm.

You do not need to live in Perth to be on the committee. It would be great if WAMBA were to represent more of the state. If you can’t make the AGM please send your nomination in by email.

Hope to see lots of you at 1230 on the 24th at the Camel Farm.