Starting a month earlier than normal, the Gippsland MTB crew, in conjunction with the Mt Baw Baw resort, set out a very challenging course that was certain to test the strength and endurance of riders so early in the year.  Those who indulged just a bit too much over Christmas and the New Year were about to be exposed!

The 7km course was tough. Ski trails with lots of short steep climbs, re-opened single track that was quite technical and rocky, the hill climb on the rocky road under the chairlift I’m sure was a crowd favourite and the final descent and the steep ascent back up to transition was a tough way to finish a lap.

With 4 hours on the clock and thick fog, 25 solo riders and 10 teams toed the start line. Riders started off in the main car park and made their way to the grassy ski trails shortly after. For the female solo riders, Britta Weller lead the charge with 5 laps and close on her tail for 2nd place was Kirstin Curtis on 4 laps.

The junior brigade showed up in force and taking 1st place with 6 laps was Gippsland MTB 2012 junior champ Malte Adebahr.  2nd place was taken by Jack Skinner on 3 laps and was closely followed by Lauren Fox in 3rd place also on 3 laps

From the gun Nick Aitken set off in a blistering pace setting the fastest lap of the day and was never headed. Nick took out the solo male honours and was the only rider, solo or team to get in 8 laps. In 2nd place and finishing before the 4 hour mark on 7 laps was Adventure racer Jarrad Kohlar. Jarrad also took victory the day before in the Seasons of Pain race also held at Mt Baw Baw. In 3rd place in the solo male was Matthew Franke on 7 laps.

The teams event was hotly contested. Christopher Fice & Tim Rowe took the teams title by just over 2 minutes from Leigh Barratt and Nick Kelly, with both teams getting in 7 laps. 3rd place was the team of Ben Brusamarello & Troy Taylor on 6 laps.

Overall the event was a great success. Riders came away very sore and sorry (for those that crashed), but from all reports were very happy with what Mt Baw Baw had to offer. With a fully catered restaurant and bar at the start / finish line, many stayed on after the race and enjoyed a meal and a few lagers.

Hats off to the Mt Baw Baw crew for their hospitality and enthusiasm towards mountain biking in general and let’s hope it becomes a long affiliation with the Gippsland Mountain Bike Club and mountain bikers in general.

Do yourself a favour and get to Mt Baw Baw for a ride!

• Full Event Results