Erica 2 Hour Enduro Report – 26-Sep-2010
The loop was a bit tougher than a lot of the manicured MTB tracks used for XC type races. Lots of tree roots to jump off, log roll overs – with easy B lines for the less experienced.
Great to see there’s still a reason to run a granny ring. Each loop had a real climb, although only a few hundred metres long, it definitely got the heart rate up. There was a B line around the hill and from what I gathered no one took the chicken line – good to see.
As far as the race went Lenny gave the usual pre-race brief to the ready racers some with a little concern on there faces (it was definitely worthwile doing a sighting lap). We were then escorted down the 4wd track for the start in order to space out the riders before we hit the first section of prime new single trail.
Start time was a respectable 10am and as Lenny gave his instructions the riders sorted out their positions on the grid. Then it was on! Kel Street took the holeshot with Brad Fisher hot on his heels, followed by Ben Blackman, Justin Prior and Karl Peel. With Brad Fisher in the lead they hit the single track with 30 odd hopeful riders in hot pursuit. While Fisher was off on his own there was quite a close race going on with the chasing riders Kel Street, Ben Blackman, Justin Prior and Karl Peel. It was great to see even on a loop with 99% single track overtaking is really easy. By simply calling “TRACK” riders move over and off you go.
With the race being in full swing, riders were well spread out very quickly. As the race wore on I’m sure a few riders were glad it was only a 2 hour Enduro as the course was taking its toll. The expressions on the rider’s faces tell it all. It was a tough one when you compare it with Nowa Nowa.
The lead riders were lapping around the 28 minute mark and the tail enders around 1 hour. So although the course was a beauty (tough) everyone was getting around OK and no-one was taking the B line on the granny climb!
As the bell for the 2 hour mark rang riders were rewarded with finishing a great race on some fantastic new trails.
The final result saw Brad Fisher finish 5 laps, followed by Kel Street in second and Ben Blackman in third – both completing 4 laps. Joe Patrick took out the Under 15’s on 3 laps.
As the riders finished Lenny had his classic BBQ on the go for the hungry. All in all once it was finished the dusty, smiling faces tell the story. A great day, thanks GMTB.
Hope to see you all at Nowa Nowa on the 30th.