The Roost - Issue 2 by Robert Conroy

Roost the

Issue 02 Issue 02 July /August

Contents A Foreword pg 4

Features A State Of Origin NSW State Downhill Round 4 pg 8 Into The Trees Rocky Trail Grand Prix Round 2 pg 16 A Pictorial NSW State 4x and Dual Slalom pg 22 A WEEKEND AT DARGLE Pt 1 The Sydney 12 Hour & Pt 2 Rocky Trail Grand Prix Round 3 pg 28 NSW State Cross Country pg 46 Oscars Pumptrack pg 50 ACT Interschools pg 54

Quick Reports The Husky 100ker Pg 44 The Wingello Chocolate Foot pg 45

Regulars The Clubbers Guide NSW mountain bike club news and results pg 58 Fresh Blood Mitchell Codner : Rider Interview pg 68

A Foreword This is not one of those Ed’s letters, I think I’ve blown enough hot air and thrown my opinions around in the following pages. However, I will attempt to explain this magazines existence as best I can. It all began with a trip to Awaba State Champs, a tonne of spare photos, a degree in design and a need to do something with both. From there it just snowballed. So what follows is a chronology of documentation on the current state of NSW mountain biking well at least to my best recollections. (Short ‘n’ Sweet eh’) Sorry, but thats not all. This is also a thank you to all those who leant a hand or helped out. Neil Thompson for his kind assistance. Craig Flynn and Dekka for their creativeness with the written word. Helen Li for her illustrations and lending a kind ear when I needed it. Oscar Ottensen and the Canberra boys for their hospitality. Thomas Lau and Mitch Codner for their time and words. Martin and Juliane Wisata for always making racing feel less like racing and more like fun. Finally, thanks to all the riders because without you, this is nothing.

RIDER : Nathan Sawley Photographer : Liam McGuiness Location : Menai

frame

Seconds OF

FIFTEEEN

You have to as possible, f as possible An fast enough 6

start as fast finish as fast nd hope itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s h.â&#x20AC;? Former Mountain Biker and 2011 Tour de France Winner, Cadel Evans.

Angus Mc Carthy with some natural style

State Origin of

NSW State DH Round 4 ,Coffs Harbour July 9th&10th Words & Photos : Robert Conroy Never have I seen the anticipation for a State round so high, the mere mention of the upcoming round at Coffs Harbour seemed to reduce full grown men and women to giggles. Suffice to say that everyone was â&#x20AC;&#x153; Keenâ&#x20AC;? was a gross understatement. So it was to be that the Coffs Harbour NSW State round four was to go down as one of the best state round finales ever. Racers were coming from far and wide to race at this round, from both Queensland and across New South Wales to race this round. Dozer and the Coffs Harbour Downhillers had outdone themselves. The track was in prime condition and ready for racing. Word of a unofficial State Of Origin had been slowly simmering on the net for weeks and now it was here, a battle for track supremacy, Queensland - v - New South Wales.

Saturday Practice It was forbidden to ride the course until friday afternoon, this was in order to keep the track in the best condition but mainly to prevent any sneaky pre race practice. However, with the school holidays underway and the rest of the racing field just looking for an excuse to chuck a sickie, many a rider headed up earlier in the week for some beach and bike fun. So suffice to say sneaky practice was occurring and to be quite honest I don’t blame them at all. Coffs Harbour has to be one of the most enjoyable downhill tracks in NSW. The course starts high above the town atop Mt Coramba and you roll straight out of the start gate into 2.2km of fast flowy trails full of berms, drops and jumps. There is not a single rock garden in sight. This track has a little something for everyone and there was always a b-line for the bigger obstacles on course. All I saw all day were smiles. The ear to ear kind and they weren’t disappearing. There was a stall with the shuttles on Saturday. Something to do with the buses being unable to turn around at the top with the bike trailers attached. An issue quickly rectified with a few parents kindly lending a hand behind the wheel of a few 4WD’s. 10

With everything sorted, what followed would have to be the highest turn around in practice runs this series. I remember hearing someone say they were up to ten by saturday afternoon and everyone else wasn’t that far off. The course was running fast and loose, dry and dusty, where a serious off was indeed a serious off. On my trek up the mountain on saturday I had walked no more than ten metres up the track when I came across a rider with a broken finger. The result of a “over the bars” into a tree. The course was lined with them and it would be claiming a few more victims by the end of the weekend. The flora liked to get up close and personal here and it was punishing if you made a mistake, sore shoulders were fast becoming a frequent occurence. As Saturday afternoon crept up riders began to make their way back into town to rest up in preparation for the day ahead. The special U19 and Elite afternoon training session was pretty lighthearted and saw a impromptu whip session on the big quarry jumps. Newling, Newell, Paine, Connolly and others were throwing down the style. Sunday would see the serious preparation begin.

L to R : Tracey Hannah, Mikhail “Squidly” Chai, Jeremy Powell and Tim McGullough

L to R : Damien Reeve passes the Lithgow crew and Joey Vejvoda

Sunday Race Day The winter dark comes a little earlier in the thick forests of Mt Coramba. So it was a shortened practice again this round, only a hour and a half of combined practice on offer. Riders made the most of it, punching out run after run. Then it was on and time to race with first runs underway at midday. Seeding for the Under 19â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s was up first and Joey Vejvoda fresh home after a visit to the world cup circuit threw down a 3: 33.56 taking number one seed from Jack Moir and Lyndon Nugent. Tracey Hannah put down a thirty second plus margin on her nearest competitor Tegan Molloy in the Elite Female seeding, Molloy would have to push hard to close the gap?. In the Elite Male Queenslander Gregg Palmer took the top seed followed by New South Welshman Tim Cox and Palmers with fellow statesman Lindsay Klein seeded in third. In the Under 17â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, the heat was on Andrew Crimmins and Brent Smith, who were battling it out for top honours in the series overall. Crimmins held the lead heading into Coffs with Smith a tight second.

Left: Brendan Moon celebrates his series podium, Above : Moon is cheered on by avid spectators, Above Right : Jake Newell whips out

Smith did not disappoint, laying down a 3:38.94 almost seven seconds up on Wollongong locals Fergus and Hamish Cowan for the win on the day. With points in the overall tallied it was Smith, who edged ahead of Crimmins by just fifteen points for the series win. In Under 15’s Joel Willis took the series and the win at Coffs Harbour with a impressive run of 3: 45.98. Putting a gap of over fifteen seconds on the rest of the competitors with a time that would have placed him in third in U17’s. We can expect much from this kid in the years to come. The Coffs track ends by emptying out of the forest into one last jump, finishing up right into pit area. So as riders completed their race runs the crowd grew and grew with the added influx of riders, as did the noise and expectation as they waited for the U19’s to come down the hill. The Under 19’s field was a little depleted with the likes of David MacaMillan and Thomas Crimmins out of the country pursuing fun times at Crankworx. Despite this, the racing was as competitive and as

cut throat as ever. Jake Newell put down a solid race run to grab the hot seat early after a poor seeding. It was then Nicolas Bohle who put the scare into him. Seeding in at 9th, Bohle came close but it just wasn’t enough, slotting into fourth by race’s end. The rest of the seeded field were unable to touch either of them. That was until Jack Moir appeared out of the trees, knocking Newell from his perch and grabbing himself second place. Last rider on course Joey Vejvoda put down a blinder of a run, a 3:32.93 for the top spot, a time that would have earned him fourth place in elite. There seemed to be no answer to Tracey Hannah’s speed as the Queenslander took the win with a clear gap on second placer Jo Fox. This was enough for Fox to hold on to second place in the overall. Michelle Crisp put in a strong run finishing in third. Tegan Molloy was unable to hold on to her number two seeding effort but at least she was able to clinch the series win with a finish in fourth place. Now the race was in its dying stages. Final runs of the series were underway, the elite men were on

track and the battle for the state of origin was reaching its pinnacle. New South Wales were leading with wins in the U15’s, U17’s and U19’s. Queensland on the other hand did have one of the more valuable victory’s in hand with Hannahs win in Elite Women. Now it was down to the men to show their grit. Liam Paiaro put the fright in everyone early on with a solid run into the hot seat. However, it was Brendan Moon, after taking a fairly relaxed approach in qualifying, who stole it from his grasp with a time that would eventually seat him in third. Sadly Moony would finish as the only New South Welshman on the podium. Down the riders came. Brad Kelly and Brock Newling ran close but could not compare with Moons time, finishing fourth and fifth respectively. Daniel “Painey” Paine was unable to better his solid fourth qualifier landing himself in eighth. Lindsay Klein came down on a flyer, the Queenslander forcibly removing Moon from his perch and clambering into the top spot. It was now down to Tim Cox to produce the goods. He certainly showed speed in qualifying but as the seconds ticked by he failed to appear from the trees. Number one qualifier and last man on track Greg Palmer came across in a 3: 31.00 flat knocking fellow statesman Klein from the winners spot by just six hundredths of a second. It was all over. Queensland in one and two, New South Wales in third. The final points for the series were entered and it was time to see who had won. Tim Eaton had enough points in hand for the series overall despite missing the final race of the series. Brad Kelly came away with the silver with some solid results behind him and Brendan Moon claimed the bronze. A great result considering he was without his own bike for two races and one or two plaguing mechanicals in a later rounds. All major prizes awarded it was now time for the State of Origin. The criteria for the prize being,that the state with the most wins is victorious.Therefore it is NSW who walk away with the cup in hand however I cannot help but feel a little bit sour. A win in the Elites would have made the victory that much sweeter. The final round of the series was over the crowds began to head home. Thanks go out to all involved, especially Rocky Trail our hosts but also to the clubs CORC, Central Coast Ourimbah, Hunter Mountain Bike Club, Coffs Harbour Downhill and Southern Mountian Bike Co. they were all the catalyst for some great racing. Next stop is nationals. 15

16 Race winner Jon Odams

Into The

TREES

Rocky Trail Grand Prix RounD 2 Awaba 16-17th of july A heavy drizzle on Friday night, continued on early into Saturday morning, putting spirits high for the damp trip up to Awaba. The threat of bad weather did not deter five hundred riders from overloading the carpark for what was to be a thrilling day of racing.

* the girl was never there

ituated in the Watagan Mountains, the track winds its way around the foothills, deceiving the untrained eye as to its difficulty. Broken up into two major sections or two loops, as you head out onto the trail you are passing through grassland forest, looping out to the main road and winding your way through needle like trees and 100 year old eucalypts. The first part of the course returns near the pits and carpark area. The second section starts alongside the finish of the Awaba State Downhill track, where it climbs up the hillside and then drops into lush rainforest before it snakes its way back through more grassland forest to the finish area. Well loved and looked after, it is a beautiful track to ride, regardless of whether you are racing or just casually going out for a spin.

The sun was beginning to break through the cloud and down the road from the pits the contenders were lining up, ready for a mass start. Eight hour racers were lined up to be first off the grid. Followed shortly by the four hour racers. At 9 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock the racers were let loose, thundering down the fire road they raced up through the pits towards the narrow entry to the singletrack. Troy Glennan (Rockstar Racing), participating in a two man team with Dwight Woodworth was the first of the 8hr riders to reach the trail head and start on course. Not too eager for a breakaway a bunch of the elite field were hot on his heels. After being a little unprepared and barely making it to the start line in time, 24hr solo World Champion, Jason English managed to be one of those men. He was quick into the forest keeping Glennan in his sights, a solid start. By the time the 4 hour racers reached the trail a bottle neck had formed but it thinned out fairly quickly. Enabling five hundred racers to begin winding their way through the trees. After a lap or two the fatigue began to set in so suffice to say I was a little shocked to see that riders on a whole were enjoying their pain. Smiles waves and hollers were plentiful, it was seriously scary how much fun they were having. With the recent rain the track was perfectly tacky and in prime condition for smashing out laps. The elite boys were thundering along. The sun shone on and the laps continued to accumulate. Passing chances were few here, with 90 percent of the trail being singletrack, a pass had to be well timed and executed. Jon Odams took a clear lead in the Solo Elite 4hr race right from the beginning. James Lamb, was in pursuit attempting to close the gap with Tristan Gribble trailing just behind him. Both tried in vain in the end to reach Odams with the finishing podium standing thus, Odams first, Lamb in second and Gribble third. 18

L to R: Jacob Van Egmond, Belinda Porter on the rails, Jason English at the creek crossing

back to back. This combination of endurance and teamwork gained them third place in the Elite 8hr pairs team and fourth in the overall. A truly tremendous effort. Nine laps down and it was now that English made his move overtaking Dwight and moving into first overall.The pressure was then back on the Rockstar Racing pairing to maintain their podium position and second overall. Alas, it was not to last with the Ashfield Cycles pairing finding that late surge of energy to overtake finishing the race in front of the Rockstar Racing crew and just three minutes off English to take second spot overall as well as the racing pairs. Jason English claimed the solo win and the weekend overall, a little present for a man who so newly became a father just a week previous. Marty Strozik finished second in the solo mens eight hour followed by Gregg Porter in third. Strozik admitted early on that, from the beginning they were fighting for second place as the World Champion did not disappoint, dominating the field. It was a near perfect race put on by Rocky Trail Entertainment, the course was great and the racing was close. Now we look forward to the next 4hr at Dargle Farm.

In the Female 4hr it was Belinda Porter who was able to snatch the solo win from Emily May. May led from the outset but was unwittingly passed by Porter on the fourth lap of the day. Porter then managing to pass through the transition zone just before cut off was able to edge out a 6th lap to seal the deal. In the junior mens, Jacob Van Egmond stormed home with a overall time that would have placed him in the top ten in elite and a clear win in the juniors. As the 4hr ended the storm clouds returned, yet the rain somehow managed to hold off as the 8hr racers pushed on. The battle for the race overall was well and truly underway. Glennan and Woodworth were still in the lead in the elite pairs category with Jason English from the solo category following shortly. Waiting for a chance to pounce were the Ashfield Cycles crew of Olivier Vallee and Mark Griffin who were tailing silently just behind English. The biggest performance of the day has to have come from the Bernard Beer team of Michal Kafka and Ondrej Slezak. With Ondrej held up by a delayed flight, a few baggage issues and then the blast up the freeway it was Michal who was left to do all the work at the start of the race. He was extremely happy to see Ondrej at the end of his fourth lap ready to take over and burn through a couple of laps

Rocky trail NSW State Four Cross & Dual Slalom 6TH OF AUGUST Round 1 A PICTORIAL 22

The pressure was on for me before the weekend had even started. Somehow, I had managed to volunteer to pick up the MC and subsequently the race clock. Yes, me, the one with the shaky record, especially when it came to an early rise on the weekend. Luckily all went to plan, having picked up Paul Craft, the voice of the Sydney 12hr, we arrived at about 8 am to a valley that was shrouded in mist. The race event centre was set up in one of the paddocks, a few happy campers had stayed the night (or should I say a few happy racers had stayed the night) and the remnants of a dying bonfire could be seen smouldering away. The earth was damp underfoot and it would have been a cold night. Dargle Farm is a privately owned property and track between South Maroota and Wiseman’s Ferry. The track mainly goes unused for the better part of the year as it is only open on major race days. Slowly warming to the cold surroundings, a collective chill ran down everyones spines when it was announced the danger man of the day had arrived. Jason English, solo rider, 30

previous winner and major overall threat, this was a man who could make a team of experienced riders look like they were taking a drunken ride home from the pub. 9 am. Staring at the start line the mist has almost fully evaporated, Martin, the race director is laying down a briefing and the competitors are mostly distracted as they prepare for the grueling 12 hours ahead. The briefing over, the masses jostle for prime position beneath the inflatable Jet Black arch. The countdown begins, hands tighten round grips and they’re off. Andrew Arthur guns it off the line and is first through the Red Bull arch with the likes of James Lamb, Ben Isaksen and Jason English charging after him. The rest of the field swarm behind throwing themselves at the fireroad, swapping places, eager to gain a good placing before the single track begins. The beginning of the single track revealed a brief climb, helping to separate the riders even further. Then it was off along a ridge line passing through web like trees and massive boulders before descending into a quick technical section. Then it was out into the fields cutting a path through the grass and into a forest loop before hitting the super highway. Super highway? Cut into the grassy paddock, two bumpy five hundred meter straights led away into the distance, separating each side is a creek (almost marshland) which runs down the center. The creek could only be

L to R: Early morning mist over the event centre, Nigel Jeffery and Paul Craft lodge the clock into place, Paul Craft interviewing the race director Martin Wisata and the race start

Words & Photos : Robert Conroy

crossed at the bridge at the far end. This was a section that was good and bad in equal measure. In the early stages of the race sections of the grass were boggy due to some unseen water seepage and meant a extra slog on the pedals.Â As the day wore on, conditions improved, however it was still causing distress for some riders, several hours in, tired and exhausted this was not something you wanted to face. On the other hand it was a perfect area for overtaking but also made for an excellent feed area amongst the solo riders. Skirting the lake (or dam), the next major section returned to the ridge that was previously mentioned in the first section. This time undulating beneath it, rocky and dusty this was where riders had to be on their toes as the trail twisted and dove between tightly knit rocks. This became a favourite camp out spot for the local paparazzi and I humbly call it â&#x20AC;&#x153;camera 31

flash alley” with bulbs firing every twenty or so meters. Thrust back into the open fields once more, riders continued on into the final section. Racers were confronted with dense forest , “the lynch pinch” and if that doesn’t sound nasty enough to you it wasn’t over yet. “The Alps”. Ahh “The Alps” a short sharp technical climb that the pros charged and everyone else tried at least once…… All challenges passed it was time to descend into the event center and begin it all over again. Ashfield Cycles led early in the male teams whilst the Stevens Bikes mixed team were also matching it up with the leaders. Jason English was keeping a strong position in the solo category with the single speed demon Brett Bellchambers keeping pace behind him. Around midday the kids race began, and was dominated by such obstacles as the Alpe d’huez(the Bridge creek crossing) where the kids ran up alongside the big kids racing on the other side of the fence and the cow pattie slalom. Young Jonah Harris took line honours in the over 6 boys whilst Lucy

Maurer took the girls. In the even younger category of under 6’s it was Luke Harris who took the crown and Matilda Brough in the girls. It was about 5 or so hours in when I dropped my own papparazi duites and I followed the Race Director Martin Wisata around for a lap ( I promise this isn’t a name dropping exercise) when we came upon “The Alps”. The yell of rider pierces the air and up comes Andrew Arthur on the charge passing us on the climb as if we were standing still. Little did we know then that he was on the fastest lap of the day, a 24.12. A time that would end up holding for the rest of the weekend. After beginning the day in 6th place the Bernard Beer riders team of four were quickly climbing the ranks. Getting a riding start in the transition zone they were professionally tag teaming behind Jason English not loosing pace for a second. After 4:30pm racers were forced to put on lights and the fatigue was really beginning

Clockwise :Mark Griffin, Unknown Racer, James Lamb, Takis Pallas and Stephen Podmore

Clockwise : Jason English, Liz Smith, Nigel Jeffreys, Sam Russell, Grupe and the kids race.

to show on peoples faces. The temperature began to drop and it was now that the local land owner decided to stoke the bonfire. If you have never been to the 12hr before it is something quite bizarre to behold. The main body of the fire is kept alight by a great tree stump, roots and all, which the landowner was now placing the boughs of trees on the fire with the help of his excavator. Darkness descends, the laps continue and all that can be made out of the race is the dotted lights of riders as they navigate the circumference of the valley. Racers start dropping some of the fastest laps of the day. With only a single beam of light to focus on a riders maximum focus seemed to yield maximum results.

Excitement grew as the race entered its final hour. “Golden Hour” as the MC Crafty calls it, a time where magic happens. Jason English was virtually unstoppable at this stage in the solo category and all he had to do was finish up his lap. The real interest was in the Male teams of four. The Bernard Beer riders had been steadily gaining places through the day up from sixth to second and were now considered a serious threat to the Ashfield Cycles team. The overall race was hotting up. Ben Isaksen of Ashfield Cycles crossed the line in time for Tate Dogan to get away and then he collapsed utterly spent. It was now that Crafty exclaimed “He’s lying on the ground absolutely comatose, now is the time to talk to him” offering Ben the mic. But Ben couldn’t answer his riding had done the talking and so too had that of his team mates Olivier Vallee and Lachlan Rowe. Just two minutes down heading into the final lap Michal Kafka was unable to close the gap on Dogan. Ashfield Cycles took the win and the overall with The Bernard Beers team of Ondrej Slezak, Michal Kafka, Scott Uden and Aaron Lakeman taking second place on the day and second overall. Liz Smith took the female solo win in front of Breony Webb, by a full two laps in a time of 12 hours 2 min.

Anti-Clockwise: The event centre at night, Overall Winner Jason English, The crew, The beers and The Bonfire

Jason English is a racer that must be admired, the man never stops. Crossing the line it was discovered he had stuffed all the Gu wrappers up his lycra shorts. He must have had at least ten or so shoved up there, a man who clearly adhered to the no littering rules. It is this perseverance that gave him the win in the solo overall with 24 laps completed in a time of 11 hours and 39 minutes. English put such a clear margin on second place Andrew Hall, (24 laps 12 hours 15 min) that he was able to finish before the time cutoff. The race was over, the beers were broken open and it was time to gather round the bonfire and celebrate.Â A perfect way to end a hard days racing. Thanks go to Rocky Trail for organising a brilliant enduro. Day over, time for bed. Now some headed home but still a crazy few stayed. The fools had entered for a double dosage of pain backing up their 12hr with a 4 or 8hr. It was a cold night not exactly the conditions you want when backing up dual races. Awakening to fog and mist whilst the rest of Sydney was off running to some beach (city to surf) we prepared to race again. The temperature was so low it took 30 min to boil the kettle. I definitely spent most of the early hours warming myself by the bonfire as did most others. However here is where I end my tale and hand you over to Emily May for the 4 hour. 37

Words : Emily May Photos : Robert Conroy For once, the Rocky Trail Entertainment crew managed to avoid the wrath of Mother Nature. There was not storm or heatwave in sight at Round 3 of the MTB GP at Dargle Farm, just a cool and dry Sunday morning. The winding country roads ushered riders into a bustling event centre, with the signature Rocky Trail Euro Trance mix echoing into a field of motor homes and bike tents. Riders assembled around a comforting bonfire, some looking more bleary-eyed than others, having already clocked up 12 hours of riding the day before. The turn out was impressive, with riders of all ages and abilities poised under the Jet Black archway, ready to smash as many 10.8 km laps as possible. Unfortunately the initial stretch of open fire road wasn’t enough to spread the crowd out, who soon converged into a peak hour traffic crawl at the first narrow incline. The pace soon picked up though, with winning riders smashing out laps in just over 24 minutes. Troy Glennan, the GP 4hr solo champion, made it around in just 24:33, while Alisha Houghton clocked the fastest female lap time of 32:47. Admirably, many of the 12 hour riders led the charge, carving out well rehearsed lines as if riding their daily commute. Overall, the track was fast and fun, with the right mix of techy single track, steep descents and easy flat sections. The uphills came in the right proportion too: Short and few. There were only a few things to watch out for: A cheeky log nestled in a puddle of sticky mud, and a slippery tree root on just the right angle to send the occasional rider flying over the hangers. The final steep descent offered

up a nice reward for riders, leaving them smiling and white knuckled as the entered transition. After almost 5 hours of riding, the final 4 hr riders rolled through the archways. Sebastian Jayne took out the 4hr solo elite men’s category, lapping his competitors to clock up a total of 9 laps. The girls in the 4hr solo elite category put up some fierce competition, with myself, Belinda Farley and Eliza Elridge -Bassett sharing the podium with only ten minutes separating us after 7 laps. The super keen among us battled it out for another 4 hours. Scott Pomroy also lapped his competitors to take out the male elite 8 hr category, resulting in an impressive total of 14 laps. Sarah Neumann and Belinda Porter put one of the more impressive show of the day, battling it out in the 8 hr solo women’s elite category. The two girls kept up impressive sub 40 minute lap times, with Sarah just nudging out in front to take the title. Olliver Vallee and Ben Isaksen of the Ashfield Cycles Racing Pairs, male 8hr team of 2, took out overall first place, with 15 laps under their belt in 7 hours. So, three down and one to go! The 2011 Rocky Trail Entertainment MTB GP has definitely become an icon on the racing calendar, with many familiar faces looking to clock up enough series points to take out the crown at Stromlo in September. See you there!

Clockwise : Emily May, Unknown, Thomas Lau and Troy Glennan

The Husky 100 km The Husky 100ker, claims to be one of the most laid-back enduro races. The course is predominately beginner level fire trails, dotted with a few of the sweetest single trails down of the South Coast – Coondoo, Superbowl and Butterfly. It sounded great for a first time hundred kilometre enduro rider like myself. However the weather turned completely on its head just a few days leading up to the race with rain arriving right on schedule. Drowning the previously dampened tracks even further and turning the Husky 100ker to a rather interesting mud fest! The overall average time for 2010 and 2011 revealed it all. A near two hours difference (just under 5 hours vs 6.5 hours) between a dry and a wet track. Not to mention the extra toll on a rider with all the energy used up, slipping and sliding through the puddles. The one hundred kilometres kicked off with a fast pace fire trail section with mostof the riders divided up in packs. After the first ten kilometres which was dotted by only a few puddles, things got decidedly worse. From the ten kilometre mark up to the fifty kilometre mark, it was a battle through gunk, thigh high deep creek crossings and swamps. On these occasions, walking through seemed to me, to be, the best option but I saw a couple of riders attempt to ride through. Which made for some rather entertaining scenes for others. By the time the single track began, I could really feel the exhaustion getting to me especially from all the clay stuck on my legs and drivetrain. Most of the drive train at that time had practically turned into a single speed, this was no exception for my near new XT components (however I doubt the pro’s XXs and XTRs would make any difference). The chain sounded like it belonged on a rusted up Big W bike and this was a distraction that I could not get out of my head. My mind was constantly thinking about the damage that I was doing to the bike, that was until the pain in my legs took over.

With two stacks in the first half of the race – (first one I picked the wrong line and ended up going over my bars after hitting a ditch covered by mud and the second one I got stuck in a pool of gunk and fell into it) there’s no doubt I just wanted to head home. At the fifty km mark was the (first) feed station, it was full of refreshments like pineapple pieces, lollies and energy drinks. No one hesitated at all to get down the food and water on hand. Most of us just simply dropped the bike on the side of the track and walked up. This was also a ‘give up’ point where riders could get back to the start line if they wanted to which I almost talked myself into. But all the previous hard work put in, paid off. The second half of the race was spot on with the single track. Nicely dampned trails allowed me to take some of my time back and at the same time putting a big smile on my face. From here there was only well maintained trails, puddles were rare, well at least until, eventually, it joined back up to the first fifteen km (or-so) of the race. Some parts of the fire trails had turned into a swamp after all the faster riders plus the fifty km (only) riders had trampled through. I finished with a finishing time – 6hr 20mins. For an endurance race like this especially when your expectations (finishing time) have been thrown out of the window, you are left constantly telling yourself that this can be done. You can finish but at the same time you have to be dealing with hairy track conditions and a retarded drive train. Together between all these things,the race for me became a ‘mentally-overloading’ situation. At the end of the day, this is what these advanture races are all about. Mud, sweat and tears will give you an unforgettable experience and that’s the thrill with mountain bike riding that you don’t forget. The sort of race where next time you’re done with your weekend ride with your mates you will have a wonderful story to share at the pub. 44

Illustrations : Helen Li

By Thomas Lau

THE SRAM Single TrackMind Series Wingello 7 hour Written By Mitch Codner As I drove into Wingello State Forrest the access rode was very tacky and at times down right muddy and the registration/transition area wasn’t much better.  After a short line up at rego and setting up the Stevens Team tent for the day it was time to kit up and warm up. It wasn’t particularly cold for the start, especially considering the damp conditions at the time. The front row definitely had some top NSW and ACT riders line up for what was to be a fast day of racing.The gun went off and the front riders sprinted for it, I hadn’t pre ridden the course yet naturally I assumed the start wasn’t going to involve too many fire trails. Boy was I wrong, after driving the head of the front bunch at race pace for almost 2km I was sure I was going to be swamped into the single track, yet luckily Andrew Arthur my Stevens team mate and I still managed to hit the trail section in first and second.   My first impressions of the course were of near perfection, no sloppy mud, just fast tacky soil under the rubber. After the first kilometre of single track Arthur and I had opened up a solid gap on the rest of the bunch and we were set free to fly and fly we did, sharing the work in the firetrail and pushing off one another we rode harder and faster as we made our way through the single track. At the end of an amazing first lap, we recorded close to a joint fastest time, clocking in at the 26 minute mark. We were the only 2 riders to do so all day. Sadly this would be the last time Arthur and I would race together on the day due to the fact I was in a mixed 3s team and Arthur was in a two man team.  After the first lap the trails were showing some of the tell tale signs of having a hundred plus riders on it, sadly after this the track began slowing dramatically yet somehow it remained reasonably tacky. At times you would come across a unavoidable slippery sliding greasy section where you just had to hold on tighter, lean in and hope for the best but the majority of the time you came out with both wheels drifting and both legs back on the gas. Other times you

were planting a foot just to save your self from near mudifacation. Quite often as you came though transition you would see riders who had been too slow to unclip or throw a foot down and had thus momentarily taken up mud sliding.    As the day progressed conditions in the forest were changing constantly. Between the the subtle winter heat that was just enough to keep the track dry and the cooler temperatures that would descend, as the sun dropped behind the clouds. Mid race, the slow moving track was taking its toll on the riders that had hit out too hard in the first couple of laps. Gaps were formed in almost all categories. Opening up and closing down dramatically as riders fatigued. The course was slowly drying up for the last third of the race and due to this the pace of all the riders was picking up, which made cutting out a fast lap much less of a battle. A battle where man and machine versed the lonely fire trail and the steep pinches of Wingello. Competition aside this was as good a chance as ever to shred some wicked trails, there was no doubt moral was high all over the event centre and it was disappointing when I had finished my last lap of the day. As I’m sure it was for many.   The Wingello State Forrest had provided us with smile’s all round after the end of over 7 hours of racing. In the End my Stevens 3’s mixed team (which included Amy Austin and last inute ring in Jerome Smith ) came out on top, over 3 laps up on second place. Aall good thing must come to an end. I had a lot of fun racing in the heat of the Endurance action and I look forward to the next one.   Big Thanks to the Event Organisers, Chocolate Foot and Southern Highland Cycling Club for putting on such a great round of the Single Track Mind Series and another Big Thanks to Stevens Bikes Australia for there Support in helping me achieve the best I can and giving me the Opportunity to race with them.    45

N.S.W STATE CHAMPS Words & Photos : Robert Conroy

SUNDAY 28TH OF AUGUST 2011

Ben Henderson & Mitch Codner

It was difficult to predict what the State Champs would be like. Unlike the Downhill community where the State Races are the main form of racing above club level and pretty much the only alternative to club racing. The Cross Country community at large has access to a plethora of events. The likes of which include 24 hour races, 4 hour races, 8 hour races...etc. A race is on almost every weekend of some description. So it would be interesting to see how serious everyone would be taking the racing. Heading South to Nowra from Sydney the weather was warm and there was not even a hint of rain. The race was held by SCUM ( no that isn’t a reference to something unsightly. It stands for South Coast United Mountainbikers) with some help from the friendly Avanti Wollongong and the track of choice for the day was the famous “Superbowl”. This of course was also a one off race as is true of most Championship

races. However there is no Cross Country State Series, so therefore, no series champion which would make the pressure for this title chase that little bit more competitive. The race would be run in stages throughout the day with the Elite Men, Elite Women and the U19’s going off at nine am. The juniors, being both male and female U17’s, U15’s would go off at midday. While the Vets would take the afternoon shift starting after 1:30pm. After a quick rider briefing and a roll call it was time to race. The Elite field wasn’t as big as expected due to a few illnesses and injuries but that didn’t mean this was going to be a easy race. This track did not necessarily yield to a hole shot start. The first ten metres led into a hairpin turn with a especially greasy outside line and then on to about a kilometre of fireroad. Plenty of time to climb through the positions and I do mean climbing. The first 100

metres or so of fire road were flat but then it ascended into a clincher of a short climb. The trail then headed into the aforementioned “Superbowl” a little hillock of lush rainforest . The track descended to the valley floor twisting and diving through some of the tightest sections I’ve ever seen using as much of the hill as it possibly could. Then on the ascent it was no better. Hairpin turns made for tough climbing before re emerging on the fire road for even more climbing. In the last section the track really petered out after the intensity of the “Superbowl”. Traveling through quite flat, open, dry bushland it ended in some freshly built singletrack. Now the Elites were on track and the first section looks like it did the trick because by the time I saw them sometime later (as I walked round from end to beginning) they were well and truly spread out. At the end of the first lap it was Ben Henderson in the lead with a closely following Mitch Codner . Andrew Blair and Andrew Arthur were trailing not to far behind with about a fifteen second gap between them and the two leaders. In the Under 19’s Toby Stewart was leading along Ben Comfort and in the Elite Females, Breony Webb was in a league of her own, clearly in front of the rest of the female contingent. Lap two no major place changes had occurred, Henderson and Codner were neck and neck. They were beginning to establish a sizeable gap on third and fourth place getters Blair and Arthur. On the third lap Henderson stepped up the tempo. Later Codner admitted that he just couldn’t find his legs and although he was searching for the hurt box. 48

He really couldn’t find the race speed he needed to close the gap. So for the rest of the race it was just about holding the position and closing the gaps both in front and behind. In the end Ben Henderson finished the race just over two minutes in front of Mitchell Codner for the State Crown. Back in third and fourth the racing was heating up, Blair was leading Arthur when a stick caught in his spokes forced him to stop. Andrew Arthur a gentleman and a close student of the unwritten laws of cycling waited for him. So the two Andrew’s were still left battling it out when it came to the sprint for the line. Blair just piped Arthur to the post for third and Arthur was left fourth after a closely competitive race. Breony Webb stole the win in the Elite Female’s even passing one or two of the slower Male Expert riders on course. In the Under 19’s, first and second place had gapped third and fourth. Toby Stewart managed to put a gap of just fifteen seconds on Ben Comfort who was unable to reel in the winner. Eventual third and fourth placers respectively, Steven Mackay and Ryan Connell, were left to sprint for the line where Mackay just managed to out sprint Connell, by two seconds. That was the first shift over and it was on to the Juniors. Sadly I had to leave early but I did 49

stay for the start and I must say that the Juniors had possibly the best turn out. Not only was the start list long it was cut throat. Parents were yelling from the sideline flashes were going left right and center and the competiors were dicing it out for positions into the first corner. At race end it was Jack Lavis, Cameron Prosser and Jayden Ward who took one, two and three in Under 17’s Male whilst Holly Harris, Emily Parkes and Ella Scanlan-Bloor took the Female Podium. Callum Carson won the Under 15’s male catagory a minute and a half in front of second placer Roly Stewart who was three minutes in front of Tom Green, in what was a fairly divided field. SCUM put on a well organised event for everyone, with the staggered start times. The fire road carpark was never completely full yet there was no shortage of spectators . So lets hope next years event will be as equally as thrilling.

Clockwise : The start line, The two Andrews; Andrew Blair & Andrew Arthur, Sebastian Jayne, Chad Gossert threads the needle, The U 17’s start on course and Steven Mackay

OSCAR’S PUMPTRACK PHOTOS: Robert Conroy Words: Oscar Ottensen & Robert Conroy

On a little plot of disused land outside Oscar’s house you will find one of the sweetest pump track layouts in the Australian Capital Territory. A place where dirt ebBs and flows under the soft tread of a tyre. Where you may ask? Well thats a secret...

Name Oscar Ottesen Age 17 years old So when did you decide to create a pumptrack? A mate and I really decided to create and build a pump track about two years ago. Was it difficult to convince your mum to allow you to build it? Before we started building we drew out a plan and found some pictures on the net to convince mum it was a good idea but she is pretty good with letting us build things so she was happy to let us.

The maintenance would be the hardest part of the track. Haha, and to ride? Ha ha then it would have to be the berm with the wall ride in it because you have to duck under a tree as well.

How long did it take to build? Originally it was about two weeks to get it up and running but I’m still building it to this day so I haven’t ever really stopped.

Is there anything your doing to the track at the moment? Any changes? I decided the track needed a reasonable jump somewhere in it just to mix it up a little. However at the moment it is still being built as is the wall ride which I’m still playing around with.

How many changes has it been through? We started of with one simple line and over the years it has slowly evolved. Adding lines to make it faster, flowier yet still as maintenance free as possible.

What’s the enduro record for the track? most laps done. Don’t think we have ever tried doing as many laps as possible or accurate timing. Its defiantly a plan for the future though.

How many different line variations do you think there are? As I said before we started with one line then we added another one so that it was possible to go in two different directions (clockwise, anti-clockwise). Then by adding that second line, it went from one or two variations to approx five different variations that could be ridden smoothly by changing between lines.

It must be cool to have this on your doorstep. Do you ever get bored? Yeah it’s awesome just being able to grab the bike out of the shed and go for a shred. Its one of the main reasons why we built it. It does get boring but usually thats when I change a line or do some maintenance.

What is your favourite part of the track? Best part of the track for me, I think would be the furthest big 180 berm in that you can come into super fast and are then spat out even faster. What do you think the most difficult part is? 53

It must be great for gatherings. Whats the craziest manouver anyones ever tried on it? I’ve had a few decent night gatherings and its really cool seeing everyones reactions and then how they look at the track and what crazy lines they have tried or done. Though one of the coolest but not necessarily the craziest manouvers ever done, would have to be manualing the whole straight into the furthest 180 berm.

ACT INTERSCHOOLS DH

What can I say? The ACT Interschools is at best an all in brawl. It is messy, dirty, grotty, it is all over before it even begins. Interschools is not your average race, it’s on a Saturday,not Sunday and the gates aren’t open till the day of the race so this means practice is short. Real short. The track at Mt Stromlo had not changed since the state round just two months prior, if anything it was worse. The rock garden was looking razor sharp, with seemingly even more exposed rock than usual which would certainly play its part come finals time. The short practice from 8:30 till 11: 30am meant that there was no time to fool around and adapt to any changes in the track. Making this race all the more for those that had experienced the track before. Luckily the shuttle buses were not too full. Despite what the name suggests, ACT Interschools was not purely dominated by the locals. A few brave souls had made the day trip down from the more Northern areas of NSW including young Joel Willis who was still recovering from illness. Still a threat no less. Racing was underway at midday with cloudless skies and without Stromlo’s characteristic high winds. All obstacles were open and those who were able to hit those faster A lines such as Triple Treat, had an advantage. Racing would follow a familiar two run format but with the best run counting towards the podium and no seeding (at least that was my understanding).

changes. Two seconds behind was Joel Willis with the two Jacksons (Streeter and Frew) in third and fourth. In the Seniors, UCI clothing regulations were deemed inapplicable. Especially for Jacob “Red” Walker who was smashing out tidy race runs in his Radio Shack skin suit. Wind resistance aside it was still not enough to bring home the win. Walker walked away with the bronze whilst Matt McCorkell and Daniel Mikic were on another level. Separated from the rest of the field by 8 seconds, Mikic took the win and Mc Corkell second. The college category was marred by mechanicals and crashes. Dropped chains, no chains to begin with and flat tyres helped to turn already laid back race runs into a casual roll down the hill. In addition the inclusion of the classic flat pedal section was just the final nail in the coffin. As usual it separated those in it for the win and those who were just looking for the finish line. Local boy Angus Mc Carthy was not relaxed, he was on a charge and he was not holding back. Eight seconds he put into Dan Bender for first. Connor “The Bull” Bullard brought home third with a smooth run but just off the pace. Time to catch a late lunch, 2:30pm it was all over the race was run and prizes were handed out. Standing round in the carpark riders were left wondering what to do, there is never this much free time after a race and certainly not one that finishes this early. Not a race a brawl. A quick and dusty brawl.

Juniors was won by Andrew Crimmins, who went by almost unidentifiable on a new bike and kit, clearly unaffected by the 54

Angus McCarthy

Results College 1 Angus Mc Carthy 2 Daniel Bender 3 Conor Bullard

2:50.17 2:58.30 3:01.95 Senior

Junior 1 Andrew Crimmins 2 Joel Willis 3 Jackson Streeter

2:53.95 2:56.21 3:14.43

1 Daniel Mikic 2 Matthew Mc Corkell 3 Jacob Walker

2:59.16 3:00.98 3:09.28

THE

NSW Clubbersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guide NSW mountain bike cLUB RESULTS & Calendars

Photo : Jay Robertson

CCOMTB Central Coast Ourimbah Mountain Bike Club

Further Info : www.ccomtb.com.au

Round 7 OF Cross Country 3RD OF JULY 2011, oURIMBAH A Grade 4 Laps Time 1 Nash Kent 1:36:43 2 James Lamb 1:38:30 3 Tate Dogan 1:40:09 B Grade 3 Laps Time 1 Paul Cook 1:18:46 2 Salvatore Ragusa 1:18:50 3. Justin Millington 1:19:46 C Grade 2 Laps Time 1 Evan White 0:56:42 2 Nathan Johnston 0:59:04 3 Alex Kooijman 1:00:00 A Grade Women 3 Laps Time 1 Joanne Tulk 1:59:37 B Grade Women 2 Laps Time 1 Melinda Howell 1:11:11 B Grade Junior 2 Laps Time 1 Jacob Van Egmond 0:56:29 2 Duke Millington 1:02:38 3 David Maggs 1:07:34

Round 8 Of Cross Country 7th of August 2011,Ourimbah A Grade 1. Mark Feeney 2. Marty Strozik 3. James Lamb A Grade Female 1.Lana Moy 2. Emily May 3. Joanna Tulk B Grade Junior 1. Ethan Dowling 2. Patrick Linnenbank 3. Duke Millington

Photo : Jay Robertson

Upcoming Races -Sunday the 11th of September XC Round 9, Ourimbah -Sunday the 30th of October XC Round 10, Ourimbah -Sunday the 18th of September DH Round 6, Ourimbah -Sunday the 23rd of October DH Club Championships, Ourimbah 60

WSMTB WESTERN sYDNEY Mountain Bike Club

Round 4 of Cross Country 24th of July 2011 Yellomundee A Grade 5 Laps Times 1 Chad Gossert 1:36:33 2 Daniel Mc Donald 1:38:36 3 Aaron Lakeman 1:39:33 B Grade 4 Laps Times 1 Benjamin Green 1:21:22 2 Michael Vanos 1:22:45 3 Fabian Guerrro 1:23:45

Further Info: www.wsmtb.com

Round 5 of Cross Country 7TH OF AUGUST 2011, Blue Gum Lodge A Grade 6 Laps Times 1 Sebastian Jayne 1:25:49 2 Jeff Rooney 1:32:49 3 Jasen Raymond 1:34:14 B Grade 5 Laps Times 1 Benjamin Green 1:14:01 2 Sal Ragusa 1:16:59 3 Sacha Lotz 1:17:23

B Grade Women 3 Laps Times 1 Amy Bardsley-Smith 1:24:03 2 Clea O’Brien 1:39:12

B Grade Women 4 Laps Times 1 Katie Savio-glasson 1:28:17

C Grade 3 Laps Times 1 Gavin Bigland 1:06:51 2 Ryan Whittaker 1:08:12 3 David Lynch 1:09:28

C Grade 4 Laps Times 1 Stephen Pitt 1:03:05 2 David Lynch 1:04:02 3 Jordan Lynch :04:28

C Grade Women 2 Laps Times 1 Allana Mackertich 0:59:08 2 Lauren Mackertich 1:12:19

C Grade Women 3 Laps Time 1 Allana Mackertich 1:03:33 2 Lauren Mackertich 1:03:36 3 Karen Chamley 1:09:54

Under 15’s 2 Laps Times 1 Tom Green 0:46:14 2 Connor White 0:48:30 3 Luke Brame 0:50:00

Round 6 Of Downhill July 4th 2011, Pacific Park A Grade Time 1. Chris Martin 1:55.91 2. David Sharp 1:59.34 3. Mathiew Taris 2:02.34 A Grade Women 1. Jo Fox 2. Mandy Davis 3. Clare Ly

2:19.33 3:00.37 3:04.37

B Grade 1. Andrew Gunns 2. Stuart Cunneen 3. Gareth Brohier

2:18.10 2:23.00 2:44.00

Under 19 1.Ethan Djorjev

2:13.17

Masters 1. Warrick Heald 2. Ross Falconer

2:16.43 2:20.26

Under 15’s 3 Laps Time 1 Connor White 0:51:33 2 Tom Green 0:52:15 3 Luke Brame 0:52:30

Upcoming Races Cross Country -Club Championship: Yellomundee Sunday 23rd October 2011 Downhill - Round 8: Del Rio Sunday September 25th - Round 9: Pacific Park Sunday October 9th - Round 10: Del Rio Sunday November 13th

wmbc Wollongong Mountain Bike Club

Further Info : www.wmbc.asn.au

Round 4 Cross Country. 3rd July 2011 at appin  The sun shone after a cold but not frosty Appin morning for round 4 of the pointscore. Word is getting around about how good this track is with more first timers showing up. We emphasize that we are not riding to win sheep stations but to have a go, have fun and take on this track that makes you think. The quality of the result times has been improving which totally reflects on riders going home and thinking about how they can improve their skills and coming back and doing it. Appin is an Olympic standard course, “ the love child of Menai and Manly Dam” as stated in the MTB guide book. It’s not so much as rider versus rider but rider versus themselves. Amy Bardsley-Smith took out the Open Female section and newcomer Kellie Weinert won the U17 Women with an average of 47 min per lap which is a credit to her effort. Danielle Pollock again nailed her division. Danielle came around my place and bought new club shirts (on special $45) for Doug and herself telling me that Doug wont be racing as he flew to Orange with the kids. Maybe it was the new shirt that made him fly home (not sure if he remembered to bring the kids home) because he had one hell of a race with Ian King who had a slight mechanical,67 sec between them after 3 laps. Riley King won the U13 division from mate Ben Metcalfe with times getting closer and it will eventually happen for Ben. Stringbean Callum Carson won the U15 from first timer Alec Reid on a borrowed bike. Alec, last weekend finished overall 3rd in the state DH series held at Coffs Harbour. Connor O’Dwyer took out the U17 section from Angus Bevan and Alex Zannier. Callum, Connor and Angus recently teamed up to win the NSW All Schools Team event at Yellowmundee with Callum scoring the fastest lap of the day 3 seconds in front of Connor. This result was followed up with Callum, Connor and Cameron Tavener-Smith ( who won the U19 Div and is recovering from the HSC trials) to run 2nd in the 7 hour Chocolate Foot at Stromlo after a Canberra team made use of local knowledge and bottle necks to make an uncatchable break in the first lap. Nathan potter finally shook off Callum Carson (U15) only to contend with Sascha Lotz in the male Vet section. Spearmans Cycles kindly donated prizes with all staying to reflect on personal experiences and how to do better.   All members and friends are quite welcome to get in contact with the club if they are thinking about entering team events such as the Scott 24 or 3 Ring Circus events or even if you want to ride with the SCUM riders (South Coast United Mountainbikers at Nowra) It’s always good to get another team rider no matter what your ability so please stay in touch. Dekka

Photo : Robert Conroy

Upcoming Races Sunday the 11th of September Round 6 XC Series 2011, Appin XC Track, Sunday the 16th of October Round 7 XC Series 2011, Appin XC Track Sunday the 13th of November Round 8 XC Series 2011, Appin XC Track Sunday the 11th of December Round 9 XC Series 2011, Appin XC Track 62

CTMTB Central Tablelands Mountain Bike Club

Further info : www.ctmbc.net

Round 4 Winter Cross Country 28th August 2011 at Mt Lambie Round #4 of the Stella Maris Mining Services/Centennial coal cross country mountain bike series took place on the brutal little Mt Lambie course which is run on private property. Mt Lambie is renown for being an all round challenge with short steep up hill pinche climbs and technical descents that leave no room to rest and recover. 25 nervous riders lined up at the start and Andrew Poppet lead them out and lead the race start to finish. Peter Beggs had not ridden the track and turned up on a single speed bike. After a stead start he rounded up some of the front runners and finished in Second. Western Sydney junior rider, Connor White made the journey up and rode brilliantly to take third over all. An outstanding effort by a young rider on a tough track. The rest of the Junior field was made up of Thomas Stapleton and Jack Laing, who both competed with the seniors on the full track and Brad Davis-Haliday and Luck Walsh, who battled it out on the half track. U10 riders Dylan Walsh and Caleb Barnes both did multiple laps of special super short course and had a ball. With rounds result means that things are getting tight in the over all series contention with Peter Beggs and Paul Whitfeld now tied at 210 points with club president, Craig Flynn not far behind on 171. Jack Laing leads the juniors on 226 with Thomas Stapleton in Second and Caleb Barnes in Third. Round #5 moves back to Rydal on Sunday the 25th of September and should draw a good field as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the last weekend race before the 8hr event in October. Tuesday afternoon races return on the 6th of September and all riders are welcome. Local riders are also encouraged to get a team together Singletrack Mind 8hr on the 23rd of October. Craig Flynn

Upcoming Races Tuesday Night Twilight Races Run weekly from the 6th of September Cross Country Sunday 25th of September Round 5 Cross Country at Rydal photo : Craig Barnes

HMBA Hunter Mountain Bike Association

Further Info : www.hmba.asn.au

Round 7 OF cROSS cOUNTRY 24TH OF July 2011 Singleton

ROUND 8 OF DOWNHILL 28th OF aUGUST 2011 aWABA

A Grade 9 Laps Time 1. Michael Hogan 3:06.17 2. Shahne Bowdidge 3:07.14 3. Kevin Mullins 3:10.18

A Grade Time 1. Tim Cox 3:43.65 2. Regan Arthur 3:45.51 3. Ben Goff 3:46.49

A Grade Women 8 Laps Time 1. Nicola Hogan 3:0.09 2. Sarah Neumann 3:02.39

B Grade Time 1. Ben Appleby 4:10.22 2. Wade Budden 4:10.40 3. Josh Solman 4:13.40

B Grade 9 Laps Time 1. Vincent Keir 3:10.14 2.Tim Nelson 3:11.53 3. Steven Todkill 3:16.24 B Grade Women 6 Laps Time 1. Joanne Tulk 2:57.57 C Grade 9 Laps Time 1. Colin Cole 3:14.56 2. Paul Gerrs 3:17.21 3. Philip Dunne 3:03.32 C Grade Women 6 Laps Time 1. Heather Freeman 3:03.44 2. Amy Martin 3:21.48

rOUND 8 OF Cross Country 28th OF August 2011 Awaba A Grade 4 Laps Time 1. Shahne Bowdidge 1:59.06 A Grade Women 4 Laps Time 1. Sarah Neumann 2:03.41 B Grade 4 Laps Time 1. Andrew Lloyd 1:48.49 2. Justin Millington 1:51.25 3. Tim Nelson 1:53.23 B Grade Women 3 Laps Time 1. Wendy Powis 1:56.18 C Grade Men 3 Laps Time 1. Stephen Powis 1:29.38 2. Luke Grainger 1:30.31 3. Joesph De Kock 1:33.00 C Grade Women 2 Laps Time 1. Jacinta Aitken 0:44.44 2. Anne Bolton 0:53.51 64

SSCC

Further Info : www.sutherlandshirecyclingclub.org.au

Sutherland Shire Cycling Club

Short Course Saturday the 25th of July A Grade Were saving themselves for 3 Ring Circus B grade 1st Matt Price 2nd Thomas Lau 3rd Ray Giddins C Grade 1st Ben Metcalfe – Sutherland 2nd Jurn Rudloff - Sutherland 3rd Chris Metcalfe – Sutherland U/13 1st Ben Metcalfe – Sutherland 2nd Travis Smith 3rd Tobias Price U/9 1st Mitchell Everitt 2nd Lily Galea 3rd Joshua Murray

70’s Disco Night, Short Course Night Race Saturday the 27TH oF aUGUST A Grade 1st John Odams - Bike Culture 2nd Matt Potter - Gu / Yeti 3rd Troy Glennan - Rockstar B grade 1st Thomas Lau - Sutherland 2nd Jai Redmond - Day 3rd Connor Mackne - Sutherland C Grade 1st Connor Mackne – Sutherland 2nd Dick Murray - SCUM 3rd Andrew Lamb Fastest Lady Sue Thompson - GU U/17 1st Luke Rudloff - Sutherland 2nd Travis Smith - Sutherland 3rd Braydon Anotonich - Day U/13 1st Ben Metcalfe – Sutherland 2nd Jake Rudloff 3rd Liam Mackne Fastest Time - Ben Metcalfe

U/9 1st Mitchell Everitt 2nd Jed Lovering 3rd Cadel Coddington Ethan Hutchison (fastest time)

Upcoming Races Winter Races Short Course XC - Saturday 10th of September 2011 (cyclocross) Summer Series Short Course - Wednesday 5th of October 2011

sUTHERLAND SCXC 70’s Disco Night

A INTERVIEW WITH

Mitchell Codner Words: Robert Conroy & Mitch Codner Photos: Robert Conroy

Name, Age, Hometown?

What was your first bike?

Mitch Codner, 19 years old, Helensburgh NSW

My first bike umm, not 100% sure but im pretty sure it was one of my brothers old BMX bikes that was handed down to me, I believe it was a Redline Frame with matching red 5 spoke TUFF 1 piece Plastic Wheels haha, classic

How long have you been riding? I have been riding mountain bikes or any kind of bike for that matter for as long as I can remember but I only really started getting competitive when I was about 14, so 5 years now.

Family Guy or The Simpsons? Simpsons is too old school these days, so its Family guy for me for sure.

How did you get into Mountain Biking? what got it all started?

What do you like most about riding mountain bikes?

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m completely surround by bush where I live and both my father and brother were keen mountain bike riders. So with the constant exposure I was getting from them and being the competitive person I am it was just a natural progression. Plus, I always wanted to be as good as, if not better than my older brother. I think it all started when I used the National Interschool Championship as an excuse to start training so I could chase down my older brother.

My favourtie thing about moutain biking is that its not necessarily the physically strongest guy who wins, there is a definite element of skill and techinique involved. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen many A grade roadies that have had their asses handed to them on a platter by C grades Mountain Bikers. Lastly Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be the obvious, that is shreading dirt is ridiculously fun and addictive. 68

What’s the worst thing about riding mountain bikes? Mechanicals. Especially caused by random sniper rocks and precarious sticks. Who are some of the riders you look to for inspiration? Why? Trent Lowe, I look at what he did in such a short period of time as a mountain biker and how quickly he progressed through the ranks. I just want to be as good as he is, then theres Matt Flemming and Perren Delacour, ever since I was little these guys have been looking out for me, showing me what to do and what not to when traveling and racing. Pezza (Delacour) just has this vast knowledge of how racing, training and traveling works and its always a breeze traveling with him. Then of course theres Flemo, the hardest dude I know ( the guys basically made of concrete ) such a great training partner. Whatever the conditions if he’s out there training then I know I should be too. You were first selected for a World Championship team in 08 which was the Canberra Worlds and have since moved on to include a few World Cups. Could you tell us about these experiences? In 2009 I was selected as part of a group of 6 to travel to Euorope as a first yr U19 to race in 2 world cups,

a Swiss National round and a local French marathon race, as a 16 yr old I was the youngest in the team, traveling with 5 other guys and a coach we all learnt how to cook, clean and manage mechanical for oursleves pretty quick. I started my trip strong with good results in the French 45km Mud Festival Marathon and the Swiss National round. Unfortunately the pressure of the World Cup circuit on a 16yr old with asthma was to much and I suffered heavily from Asthma during both World Cups. None the less the National Coach at the time Neil Ross knew I had potential and gave me a shot at World’s, which was amazing as it was a home race. This was a choice he wouldn’t regret as I went on to have a clean and more importantly strong race in front of an amazing home crowd to come home sevententh as a first year Under 19’s racer. You made last years team for World Champs in Mont St Anne, Canada. Do you feel you were better prepared this time with these experiences behind you? In 2010 I was much better prepared having already spent a period of time in Europe racing and knew the level of racing I was up against. It certainly kept me motivated while training during winter and I knew that coming into the 2010 World Championship’s I had never felt more prepared. Sadly my race ended with a mechanical, not the sort of thing you really want to happen at a World Champs but thats racing. No matter I had a great year of racing in 2010. 70

and just recently you took a trip to the USA and Canada to race in the Mont St Anne and Windham World Cups respectively. Can you tell us a little about it? The North America and Canadian World Cup rounds have always been a pleasure for me, the tracks are either steep and technical or just flat out hard and technical, either setup suits me well. Plus the winter in 2011 was being particularly cruel and I mentally needed a break from the three hour training rides in the rain. It was a great experience overall and I got some great racing in. I especially enjoyed the time I spent there, relaxing after practice and races with fellow Aussies, Sid Taberlay, Josh Carlson and Female National XC Champion Katherine O’Shea. I learnt so much off them all. You must be stoked with your recent sponsorship with Stevens bikes Australia how did that come about? I am incredibly happy with my new sponsorship with Stevens Bikes. So far in the month I have been with them I have had more support than I ever had before. The bikes are light, stiff and well spec’ed out with my cross country bike being just 8.4kgs out of the box. The Stevens Australia Team Manager is a local

for me and has always been on the lookout for upcoming riders and not long a ago I started looking for a team. So consider it an aligning of stars but when Stevens Bikes put an offer on the table I just couldn’t refuse and I look forward to being a part of the growth in the future of Stevens Bikes. What is your favourite track to ride in Australia? My favourtie race track would have to be either Mt Buller (VIC) or Mt Stromlo (ACT), because of there long steep climbs and the long rocky descents. I love a track I feel like I can get into a rhythm on the climb, pin the downhill and then do it all over again. Surely you train hard what does a weeks training regimen consist of for you? Run us through a general plan of a weeks training? My coach Ken McMillan never takes it easy on me with no less then nine rides a week. Earlier in the week its nothing ridiculously long but very intense. Then I’ll tend to be working on endurance later in the week, my programme varies from week to week. Both the aforementioned training rides effort will be specified depending on what I’m training for eg Marathon racing or Cross Country racing.

Shaving is for : a) Aerodynamics or b) It just feels so good between the sheets The aerodynamics of shaven legs don’t really make a difference on a mountain bike and because of that fact , I’m not really all that consistent with it so I will go with B haha it looks and feels better then hairy legs haha. Even hardcore cross country riders have to break the rules sometimes. What’s better Maccas, Dirty Bird, Subway or Hungry Jacks. Subway for sure, but thats not exactly that bad but I definitely have a weak spot for the savoury biscuits and good old Hot Chips mmmmm. As there is always a sausage sizzle somewhere at a race. Bacon with BBQ sauce or Bacon and Egg Sandwich? Post race, Bacon Egg roll, with BBQ sauce With the next major event being the nationals series do you feel prepared? Is there any track you look forward to in particular? If the National Series was to start this weekend defenetly not, still in Marathon mode but Nationals are still a fair way away. I feel really good at the track after a rather disappointing start to 2011, due to illness and injury. I’m keen to get some more cross country racing under my belt and really looking forward to the Mt Buller and Mt Stromlo National Rounds. What do you think of the National’s being renamed the All Mountain Cup? Will you be entering any of the new events on offer? ( the cross country eliminator , the Super D or Short Course XC) I think its kinda cool now we have an All Mountain Cup, its more of an American Style format of racing and I will be racing all the new forms of the series to get the most out of the weekend. It also gives riders a second shot at the podium eg in case of mechaincal. Thats all the time we have. Anyone you would like to thank? I’d like to thank first and formost my parents, Mum and Dad who have supported me through all my years of racing and given me the best chance possible at achieving my dreams and goals. Just as important I thank Stevens Bikes for their current and future support with all my bikes. Ken Mc Millian my coach, I wouldn’t be here without him and finally GU energy gel for keeping me fueled for all my races.

Bike Check Check Bike Specs How long have you the bike? Any special modifications or special parts? Ive only had the bike for a month now but from the riding I have done its super stiff on the power. It doesn’t feel like your riding a road bike offroad but your still getting plently of rear wheel traction.

Frame 58cm Stevens Carbon Monocoque Hardtail Shock Not Applicable Fork Fox 32 F 100 RLC, 100 mm, FIT, Lockout Stem Ritchy Carbon Superlogic 100mm Bars Ritchy Carbon Superlogic 600mm Headset FSA Ahead Integrated Orbit Grips ESI, Racers Edge Foam grips Shifter Shimano XTR 10 speed Dyna-Sys Derailleur Shimano XTR long cage 10 speed Brakes Shimano XTR Race Rotors Shimano 6inch front and rear Centerlock ICE Technology Seatpost Ritchy Carbon Superlogic Saddle Fizik Antares Carbon Crank Shimano XTR Race 2x10 B.B Shimano XTR External Chain Shimano XTR 10 speed directional Hollowpin Cassette Shimano XTR 10 Speed 11-36 Pedals 2011 Shimano XTR Wheelset Ritchy World Cup series Carbon rims with DT SWISS 190 ceramic Hubs Tyres 2.1 Schwable Racing Ralphs ( dry tyre of choice) Tubes None !! Special Mod’s: KCNC Bar Ends and 2 Carbon Scorpo Bottle Cages

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