Post by crummy on Apr 16, 2009 19:36:20 GMT 10
Australian Solo 24hr MTB Championship
The championships were held at Majura Pines with race central inside the Innabyanna guide camp located beside the pines area. I was surprised to find corc was able manage a 8.2km track out of the 3km length of pines. The track was nothing short of what to normally expect from Canberra conditions. Mostly hard packed and well worn tack snaked its way through the pines. A variety of fire trails were used and gave ample opportunity for food and liquid consumption. For every downhill section there was uphill with most being brief in nature. The main concern was the most northern climb which felt to be the steepest and
I spent the most time climbing. The other of note was of medium tech rocky climb which benefited those who could spot a good line.
Weather always plays a big part in endurance events and this time it effected some of the strongest competitors. It was warm and the forecast was rain. It happened around five and changed the mood and conditions for almost everyone. The rain was solid for over two hours with a gradual fade out to a warmish moonless night. As the bunny moved through the camp he brought a brilliant sunrise to an almost cloudless sky. The track conditions followed the weather turning wet, slippery and muddy with the rain then throughout the night it dried out to be a sticky, well packed and mostly dry.
It was easy to tell the corc crew are experienced in the organisational department. With no line up at rego, coffee, cakes and BBQ. The guide camp had some nice facilities with showers and flowers. The only surprise was the lack of access for support crew to the track. Unfortunately most of us were unable setup camp beside the track. Those that weren't camped beside the track found or made other arrangements using the crew area, pit lane or not. The race commentator was always near the transition reporting on the to and frowing of riders and their support. There were always progressive results being posted and the award ceremony was shortly after race completion.
Some form of support crew is almost essential in solo endurance racing. I had my partner Donna who is experienced at crewing and my sister of which this would be her first MTB experience. My crew did a sterling job and attended every lap transition with food and liquid. Members of other crews helped out with bike maintenance where it was needed. Enough can not be said about the lengths crews go to, to ensure riders only have to think about ripping up the track.
More at www.mcrummy.blogspot.com
The championships were held at Majura Pines with race central inside the Innabyanna guide camp located beside the pines area. I was surprised to find corc was able manage a 8.2km track out of the 3km length of pines. The track was nothing short of what to normally expect from Canberra conditions. Mostly hard packed and well worn tack snaked its way through the pines. A variety of fire trails were used and gave ample opportunity for food and liquid consumption. For every downhill section there was uphill with most being brief in nature. The main concern was the most northern climb which felt to be the steepest and
I spent the most time climbing. The other of note was of medium tech rocky climb which benefited those who could spot a good line.
Weather always plays a big part in endurance events and this time it effected some of the strongest competitors. It was warm and the forecast was rain. It happened around five and changed the mood and conditions for almost everyone. The rain was solid for over two hours with a gradual fade out to a warmish moonless night. As the bunny moved through the camp he brought a brilliant sunrise to an almost cloudless sky. The track conditions followed the weather turning wet, slippery and muddy with the rain then throughout the night it dried out to be a sticky, well packed and mostly dry.
It was easy to tell the corc crew are experienced in the organisational department. With no line up at rego, coffee, cakes and BBQ. The guide camp had some nice facilities with showers and flowers. The only surprise was the lack of access for support crew to the track. Unfortunately most of us were unable setup camp beside the track. Those that weren't camped beside the track found or made other arrangements using the crew area, pit lane or not. The race commentator was always near the transition reporting on the to and frowing of riders and their support. There were always progressive results being posted and the award ceremony was shortly after race completion.
Some form of support crew is almost essential in solo endurance racing. I had my partner Donna who is experienced at crewing and my sister of which this would be her first MTB experience. My crew did a sterling job and attended every lap transition with food and liquid. Members of other crews helped out with bike maintenance where it was needed. Enough can not be said about the lengths crews go to, to ensure riders only have to think about ripping up the track.
More at www.mcrummy.blogspot.com