MMBCC News - Mon 13 Oct - Hayden Fletcher, Australian Champion!

Hayden Fletcher wins the 2025 Australian BMX Championships

By Bruce Halket

Hayden Fletcher, formally of Howqua Inlet, has finally managed to win the Elite Men’s Australian BMX Championship after years of injuries, set-backs and persistence. Congratulations on a well-deserved win Hayden!

Hayden and his family, especially his dad Paul (and fellow BMXer Adam Baker) were the impetus behind the MMBCC’s push to get a BMX track built in Mansfield over 15 years ago. Venues at the Showgrounds, Mansfield Racecourse and Withers Lane (near the rail trail) were all knocked back in a frustrating attempt to improve cycling infrastructure.

And speaking of Shire decisions, has anyone seen any news on the new gravel routes that were meant to be published this summer after being delayed for public consultations?

Imagine how much sooner Hayden might have won this if Mansfield had a BMX track and he’d not had to travel to Shepparton for training?! And how many other kids might have been following in his footsteps?

Hopefully, if the impending pump track actually gets built, we might get some more people interested in bike riding.

Dirt Crits starts downhill

By Dave Empey

The first Dirt Crits for the summer season kicked off last Tuesday.

There was a brand-new course in place to entice Bruce Halket to race so he could pedal and even a tiny bit of uphill.

Racing was very tight with less than a minute separating the top ten.

Ryder Chadd took the win followed by Spencer Carmen with XC upstart Ben Ross rounding out the top 3 with a strong ride.

Next week is the first XC event. Your resident pain master Damian Grundy will be absent, so course honours will fall to Cam Dobson. Although, in defence of both Damian and Cam, this one won’t be painful for a change, just a bit of fun.

Here are the results and thanks to Tim Ross for the pics.

Bocky stays away

By John Eisner

For some, the traditional start to the Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club season began last Thursday night with locating one’s bicycle, pumping up near flat tyres, charging that solid rear red light and selecting one’s favourite, retro cycling apparel.

And so it began, with a good looking start list, carefully constructed by new handicapper, David Jagger, who had considered individual’s average performances and integrated it into a series of starting groups.

Thus, off went Dave Bock, John Eisner and Dave Jagger.

And so followed: Craig Wilson, Tim Hall, David McDonald, Steve Curnow, Adam Baker, Adrian Dowd, the father/son duo of Ben and Tim Ross, Steve Duke, Darren Bakker, Ryder Chadd, Andy Garrett, Bruce Halket and Carl Simmons.

With a modest headwind heading out towards Tolmie, the groups were looking good with a largish bunch forming at the Scratch end.

With a pleasant tail wind on the way home however, most groups seemed to split up leaving each person to do their own thing.

Out the front though, David Bock had been doing some solid turns thanks to some off-season training in Europe designed specifically to drag Limit (particularly Eisner) along. And to be fair, in turn, Limit responded like a well-oiled machine. With four km to go, Bocky was directed to ride off the front, which he did to earn a well-deserved first place. David McDonald, similarly, rode well off his group to snap up second with Eisner, Jagger and Wilson (on a classy, new, steel bike) making up the top five.

Carl Simmons looked dangerous from the start and finished well up the field to get fastest time.

Many thanks to our helpers for the night and thanks to the Mansfield Hotel for dinner and sponsorship.

Here are the results. Many thanks to Tony Copland for the race pics and to Alex Green for the post-race pics.

Next week is the Barwite Loop. And a reminder that late entries (after 8pm Wednesday night) won’t be accepted any longer.

Welcome back to Dirt Critters for Term 4.

By Tim Ross

First official night is Tuesday 14 October. Potential new riders are most welcome to come along for a look and ask any questions.

Dirt Critters is for primary-school age kids who like to ride and learn new skills in a fun and social environment. We meet at Rifle Butts Reserve on Tuesday after school – 4pm for Grade 3 and younger, 4:45pm for Grade 4 and older (but flexible). Younger secondary school kids are welcome to join us, but are encouraged to move up to senior Dirt Crits which starts at 6pm (there are a number of teenagers taking part in this).

Dirt Critters follows a rough program designed to expose the kids to some different types of MTB riding; some nights it'll be XC (cross country), some will be Enduro style, and some will be Single Track rides. Riders also have the opportunity to participate in races outside of Mansfield if they wish.

Please note that a current Auscycling membership is required for all participants (but otherwise there is no charge).  Google 'Auscycling Membership' and choose 'Race All Discipline' (costs are $81pa for U7, $109 for U13 and $175 for U19). There is the option of a free four week trial for new riders who want to try before they buy. Click here for more details on MMBCC memberships.

For more details on Dirt Critters please email us or call Luke on 0455 604 785.

MMBCC News - Mon 6 Oct - Rrrracing!

Change of plans - Gravity Enduro this week.

Senior Dirt Crits starts back tomorrow Tuesday 7 October, 5:45pm to register, ready for a 6pm start.

Rifle Butts had a clean up yesterday and is ready to go!

This week we’ve had to swap the schedule around and start with a Gravity Enduro. This will be at Rifle Butts MTB Park. Next week Tuesday 14 October will be Cross Country.

Please make sure your AusCycling membership is current. There is no entry fee for the race but if you don’t have a valid AusCycling membership, you can’t start. More details and link to AusCycling here

See you all there!

As for the road…

AusCycling has come through with the Public Liability Insurance. Now we’re waiting for Vic Roads; the Police are waiting for Vic Roads too.

MMBCC News - Tue 30 Sep - Racing starts soon...

Ride and Scrape

By Damian Grundy

Ride and Scrape Morning, Riflebutts MTB Park, Sunday 5 October, 10am to noon.

This Sunday 5 October as Daylight Saving begins, don't forget to Spring Forward and enjoy one hour less sleep 🙂

But do come on up to Riflebutts any time between 10am and 12 midday for a ride, and a trail scrape. We will do some trail repairs ready for next week…

Racing starts next week!

By Damian Grundy and Bruce Halket

DIRT CRITS 2025 - 2026 SEASON

As per last season we will alternate XC and GRAVITY each week. Everything kicks off with an XC night on Tue 7 Oct at Riflebutts MTB park. 5.45pm race briefing for a 6pm start.

Tue 14 Oct will be the first Gravity night. Keep your eyes open for notification of the venue for this event. (Sign up for MMBCC News emails and join the club’s WhatsApp feed for the latest info.)

You can find all the details here on the Events Calendar. The first three weeks have already been published, the rest will be added shortly.

ROAD RACING STARTS NEXT WEEK TOO

So long as we get our permits (we’re looking at you AusCycling, Vic Roads) racing starts next Thursday 9 October with a Handicap Road Race on the Whitfield Road.

All the races have been published on the Events Calendar including the links to Entry Boss and the Duty Roster (available in one page here). Please check the duty roster to see when it’s your turn. There’s quite a few new names added to the roster for this season so it’s worth a look so you don’t miss your turn.

Just to let you know, the first race sees Dave Empey, Dave Moore and Cam Dobson on duty (although we know Dave Moore’s away so we’re already looking for a replacement) and the Commissaires are Tim Ross and Bruce Halket.

Club kit

The Ventou webshop for MMBCC kit is open until Sunday night. Here is the link.

If you’re interested, please email Bruce for the login code.

Still no word from John about replacing his old saggy, baggy knicks.

MMBCC News - Sun 21 Sep - UCI WC RR with TA at MH

Watch Talia Appleton in the Women’s U23 UCI World Championship Road Race at the Mansfield Hotel

By Janine & Jarrod Appleton

If you aren't on MMBCC Whats App, you may not know that Browny from the Mansfield Hotel is putting Talia's race on the big TV at the pub this Thursday.

Live from Kigali, Rwanda, the Under 23 Women's Road Race starts from 9pm (coverage start time yet to be announced) and is expected to run until 12.30am. It will be a fantastic opportunity to join with other cyclists and cheer Talia on. We already have a group of 20 confirmed supporters but more would be great!   

We don't have many social events, but we reckon this one will be memorable.  

Please RSVP to this email address if you are interested so Browny can have an idea of how many to cater for.  And feel free to tell your friends about this - they may want to come along too!  

Hoping you can make it…

Club kit

MMBCC Central has had some enquiries about ordering MMBCC Ventou club kit. And, as it happens, Ventou have just launched a new range of high quality jerseys and bib knicks.

As you might remember, we need at least ten pieces to meet the minimum requirements.

If anyone else is interested, please email Bruce and we’ll organise to get the Ventou webshop open to take orders.

Very surprisingly, MMBCC Central hasn’t heard from John about this.

Shifty Fifty Results

In the final round of the Shifty Fifty Series (the Warburton race in November isn’t part of the overall series) MMBCC members had a great day!

In the full Gippy Shifty Fifty at Blores Hill, Ruby Dobson was the first woman home and came 27th overall.

In the Shifty Shorty Ben Ross won! Cam Dobson was 4th and Tim Ross 6th!

Well done all.

Here are the results.

MMBCC News - Sun 14 Sep - MTB Kids & Talia's Rwanda-bound

Vic Schools MTB finale

By Tim Ross

Last weekend was the finale of the Vic Schools MTB Series.

Saturday’s race venue was the Castlemaine Secondary College, with the course running through the school grounds and out onto single track through adjoining bushland. Perfect conditions saw Ben and Alastair Ross and Alex and Henry Manning pit themselves against riders from all over the state on fun but challenging courses including several sets of stairs. Alex finished third in his race, while Ben was just out of the placings in fourth.

On Sunday the race was at Bendigo’s Spring Gully, usually a dry, dusty and rocky bushland course. Except when it starts raining just before the first race, and keeps raining. Before long the trails had water running along them and slippery, treacherous corners.

No matter, our crew (along with all the others) gritted their teeth and battled it out. Alastair raced last and despite having the worst of the conditions had one of his best races of the series.

Series presentations were held after the races (during a brief respite from the rain); Ben only missing out on 3rd in U15 courtesy of a mechanical DNF in his final race. That’s racing!

A bit of a break in the XC racing calendar now until the Vic Champs Series kick off in November.

Talia Rwanda bound

Talia Appleton has been selected for the Australian team to ride the Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda.

If you can help, she needs a hand to get there…

Club kit

MMBCC Central has had some enquiries about ordering MMBCC Ventou club kit.

As you might remember, we need a minimum of ten pieces to meet the minimum requirements.

If anyone else is interested, please email Bruce and we’ll organise to get the Ventou webshop open to take orders. (We’re looking at you John!)

News Shorts

  • A new cycling-related iPhone App called CFP (Cycling Fashion Police) has just been released. MMBCC Central has received repeated notifications that there’s now only one MMBCC member who contravenes the App’s basic standards now that Ian Conrick has left town. (The App’s looking at you John!)

  • The MMBCC road calendar will be published shortly. The first race is planned for Thursday 9 October. As usual, we’re still waiting on permits.

  • Seymour Broadford Cycling Club applied for two weekend races at Yarck later this year and hoped to run ‘Combine’ races for MMBCC and SBCC. Unfortunately, Murrundindi Shire wouldn’t agree to a permit, so we’ll have to try again next summer.

  • ATC Gravel Rides are still on at 5.30pm Wednesdays, weather permitting. The Strava segment challenge is still going…

MMBCC News - Sun 31 Aug - Talia's Tour de l'Avenir

Talia Appleton, Sophie Marr, Alli Anderson - U23 ARA Australian Cycling Team

Talia Appleton 3rd in Tour de l'Avenir Femmes

By Janine Appleton

The Tour de L'avenir Femmes, the most prestigious stage race for Under 23 road cyclists, is a week-long French event, with a history of ushering in major future talent. It is essentially a youth version of the Tour de France. This year’s race for women covered 478km with 8,815m of climbing in the eastern pocket of the mountainous French Alps. Seven stages - an uphill time trial at Tignes, followed by two flat stages, two lumpy stages, a mountain stage, and culminating with a challenging ten kilometer mountain time trial starting at 1200m elevation.

Talia Appleton, from the Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club, finished third in the general classification (GC - accumulated time over 7 stages). This is an outstanding result for a rider without a World Tour contract or development or pro continental contract for 2025. Both 1st and 2nd GC riders already race for WorldTour teams: Canada’s Isabella Holmgren and France’s Marion Bunel.

After narrowly missing the overall win in the ProVelo Super League (Australia's National Series) and podiums at National Gravel racing events earlier this year, Talia has focused her training for this event, completing 250 rides over 17,000km with 230,000 metres of elevation on the roads to Tolmie and Mt Buller. She ventured to Girona, Spain, a month ago to conclude her training, negotiating 5-6 hour training sessions in 30-35 degrees, but said that was preferable to 5-6 hours on the home trainer when it was too wet and cold in Mansfield. She was confident that her training showed significant progress, but nervous that she had not raced at all in Europe this season due to having no contract. The challenges non-European athletes face are nearly insurmountable.  

She started her campaign with a third in the uphill prologue and, with the support of the other 5 members of the ARA Australian cycling team, made no mistakes over the subsequent rolling stages. That set her up to soar in the mountains: on the double-stage final day, Talia finished third in the road race and second on the uphill time trial. Both stages finished at nearly 2,000 metres above sea level at La Rosière

Talia Appleton (left) finished 3rd on the overall podium.

"Heading into the final double day of racing in the Alps, I was ready to do everything I could to defend my position on GC,” Talia said.

“To come third on a really tough queen stage after being solo for most of the day was incredible, and then to back up only a few hours later with second in the final uphill 10 km TT felt even better!”

Talia Appleton maintained her GC position from start to finish.

At just 19 years of age, Talia also secured second in the young riders’ classification for riders under 21 years. 

 “It’s still sinking in and definitely a bit of a pinch-me moment!” Talia said. “To finish on the GC podium and have two Aussie women in the top 10 is super special.

“I was really targeting the opening prologue as I knew it suited my characteristics, but I was still a bit shocked to come third and find myself on the GC podium. I was really happy with that result and decided anything else throughout the rest of the week would just be a bonus, especially against so many riders with WorldTour and grand tour experience.”

The ARA Australian Cycling Team finished second overall in the team classification.

“Super lucky to have really great, experienced teammates around me throughout the four lumpy road stages. A result like this definitely wouldn’t have been possible without all of their support both on and off the bike,” Talia said.

Talia heads back to Mansfield in mid to late September, before preparing for National Championships in Perth in January 2026. She is confident that these results will allow her to secure a contract with a team for racing in Europe in 2026 to continue her bright cycling career. 

Ride for the Kids

By Paul Bird 

I head up a Melbourne-based charity - Brainwave - that supports over 1,000 children with brain illnesses and injuries and their families across Victoria

With the doubling of registrations of children with brain illnesses and injuries over the last four years, we have launched a new exciting national challenge – Ride for the Kids. Here’s a short video

Headed up by ‘Voice of Cycling’ Matt Keenan and fellow commentator and cycling champion, Gracie Elvin, along with exclusive Pedla cycling gear, we are inviting all Australians to set and ride their distance from 1-31 October 2025.

I would really appreciate your club’s support in establishing a team. 

With thanks and best wishes, Paul Bird.

MMBCC News - Tue 19 Aug - Philip Island and the AGM

Ben Ross at Philip Island

By Tim Ross

Ben Ross competed in the final round of the Victorian Junior Road Series last weekend. Held at the storied Philip Island Grand Prix Circuit, the round doubled as the 2025 Victorian Junior Championships. In just his second road race, Ben is still very much in the learning phase of road cycling, so different from the XC MTB racing with which he is familiar. 

What a great venue! A wide, fast and perfectly surfaced track 4.4 km around, with sweeping bends and ocean views to die for. At a venue usually known for its winds, conditions were perfect for the day; clear skies, cool with a gentle breeze. The pit lane sheds, usually occupied by motorcycle mechanics, became the warm up venue for the riders.

The morning was an Individual Time Trial; 2 laps for the U15s, setting off at 1 min intervals in reverse seeding order. Ben clocked just under 16 minutes for the 8.9km, finishing 13th in the field of 20.The winning time of under 13 and a half minutes was a reminder of how far ahead the leaders are.

The afternoon was the road race; 8 laps. The race turned into something of a tactical battle, with sudden surges then slower periods. A couple of competitors were dropped early but the rest managed to stay together until the second last lap when the hard-hitters piled on the pressure, quickly splitting the race apart. In the end there were three groups, with Ben leading the third group home. 

A really great experience and a creditable showing. In the 4 race series, Ben placed third in the VJRS U15 B grade.

AGM Reminder

The Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club Inc Annual General Meeting is on this Thursday 21 August. 

We are planning on having dinner at the Mansfield Hotel from 6pm to 7.20pm, then move to the Mansfield Golf Club for the formal meeting from 7.30pm.  

You should have already RSVPed by now. But just in case you’d forgotten, use the MMBCC WhatsApp feed… now!

MMBCC News - Fri 27 Jun - Tracks, Trails & Travel

Mansfield Tracks & Trails

From the MMBCC Executive Committee

Mansfield Shire Council are doing a ‘Tracks & Trails Strategy’ and are currently doing public consultation until 11 July.  It includes a questionnaire and there is plenty of scope to suggest things that would assist cyclists of all types (though it is aimed much more broadly, including walking, cycling, horse riding, etc).  There is also the chance to discuss with Council Officers on Tuesday 8 July during the day at the Visitor Centre. 

We encourage all members, and the wider cycling public, to have input into this, both via the questionnaire and the face to face session.

Here is the link to the Tracks and Trails Strategy | Engage Mansfield.

Recent racing 

By Tim Ross

Despite the cooler weather there are still plenty of opportunities for those wanting to indulge in some racing.

The Shifty Fifty XC series held its final race before a winter hiatus in Castlemaine. Tim and Ben Ross made the trip to be greeted by a rocky and winding course. Unfortunately, only one of them started the actual race, with Tim falling heavily with no apparent excuse on a flat prologue. DNS sounds better than DNF.  

Ben produced a great ride, looking resplendent in his new club kit!) in the Shifty Shorty (25km) finishing third in the U19 class.

The final round of the series will be at Blores Hill in Gippsland in September once the worst of the winter weather has gone.

Over the winter, Auscycling run the Vic Junior Road Series over five rounds. Ben Ross had his debut road race, competing in Round 2 at Broadford recently. Held in wintry conditions at the State Motorcycle Track, the round consisted of two 30km road races (about 14 laps of the circuit), sandwiching a 5km time trial (two laps). Ben completed in U15 B grade, placing first and second in the road races and first in the time trial and comfortably took first place overall for the weekend. He and another competitor were well matched, racing head-to-head in the two road races before one or the other pulled ahead close to the finish.

Vic Schools MTB series round 2 was held at Lysterfield last weekend. Two Rosses (Ben and Alastair) and three Mannings (Alex, Wren and Henry) made up the Mansfield contingent. Perfect racing conditions greeted competitors on courses developed for the Commonwealth Games in 2006 (back when Victoria could afford such luxuries!). 

Alex placed first in U11 Novice, while Ben (U15 Race) and Wren (U11 Novice) both placed fourth to just miss their podiums. Great riding also by Henry (U9) fifth in a very large field in his first ever race and Alastair (U13 Race) twelfth.

Finally…

Good luck and Bon Voyage to the MMBCC’s Elise Empey, who has overcome injury and an aversion to early morning road rides, and is heading overseas next week to join her new pro team for some downhill racing in Europe and North America.

MMBCC News - Fri 23 May - 2024/25 Presentation Night

Feedback please…

If you attended Presentation Night, club sponsors Lesa and Steve Brown from the Mansfield Hotel would really like your feedback. Click here to go to a short survey, let them know your thoughts and you could win a $100 voucher!

Many thanks to everyone who came along to the Mansfield Hotel on Thursday night to celebrate a great summer of racing! All the details, including points scores, are below.

Thanks also to all the crew at the Mansfield Hotel. And to the MMBCC Exec for organising the night.

On to the trophies…

Summer Road Race Series

Ryder Chadd kicked off a busy night by taking out the Summer Road Race Series trophy ahead of Simon Hall and Craig ‘Wil’ Wilson.

L to R: Ryder Chadd, 1st; Wil Wilson, 3rd.

Women’s Road Trophy

Janine Appleton took out the Women’s Road trophy ahead of Micala Jacobs and Di Condie.

L to R: Di Condie, 3rd; Janine Appleton, 1st; Micala Jacobs, 2nd.

Dirt Crits

A different Bateup on the Dirt Crits trophy this summer with Ant taking the win ahead of Ryder and Archie Smith.

L to R: Ryder Chadd, 2nd; Ant Bateup, 1st.

Alain Guerin Memorial Crossover Trophy

Ryder wins again! His consistency across both disciplines see Ryder win Alain’s trophy ahead of a bunch of old blokes.

L to R: Bruce Halket, 4th; Damian Grundy, 3rd; Ryder Chadd, 1st; Ant Bateup, 2nd; Adam Baker, 5th

Congratulations to all the winners. Hope you find something useful to do with your paperweight/doorstop for the next 12 months.

MMBCC News - Thu 15 May - Presentation Night Change

Summer Presentations

Summer Presentations for the 2024/25 race season will now be held at the Mansfield Hotel on THURSDAY 22 MAY.

Presentations will start at 7pm. But… please come along for dinner, starting at 6. If you would like to come for dinner, you need to RSVP by this Sunday 18 May on the MMBCC WhatsApp feed.

The club will shout all Junior members DINNER! (So long as they RSVP!)

MMBCC News - Mon 12 May - Shifty Cardigan

Talia’s Cardigan

Congratulations to Talia Appleton on winning one of the biggest gravel races in the country on the weekend at Derby in Tasmania - defeating newly-crowned Australian Gravel Champion and World Tour rider, Tiff Cromwell, in the process.

Here are the results.

Shifty Shorty at Anglesea

By Tim Ross

Ben and Tim Ross took part in round 3 of the ‘Shifty Fifty’ season on Saturday. Both took the easy (easier) shorter option, completing a ‘Shifty Shorty’ (25 km).

The course was in the heart of Anglesea, a mixture of single track and gravel roads winding through coastal scrub. A very big field made virtues of both patience and taking passing opportunities when they arose.

The race took place in clear, cool conditions; there were apparently magnificent vistas out into Bass Strait but I was too busy chewing my handlebars to notice.

Ben placed first in the juniors (U19), taking the chocolates, while Tim finished midfield in the open category after managing to take the wrong track twice. The signage was good, refer to the earlier comment re handlebar chewing.

It’s a great, casual and well-run series that is well worth your consideration for some off-season riding.

Next one is at Castlemaine on 1 June - click here for details.

Presentation Night

Summer Presentations for the 2024/25 race season will be held at the Mansfield Hotel on WEDNESDAY 21 May. Presentations will start at 7pm.

Please come along for dinner, starting at 6. If you would like to come for dinner, you need to RSVP by Sunday 18 May by using the MMBCC WhatsApp feed.

The club will shout all Junior members DINNER! (So long as they RSVP)

Weekly gravel ridE

Tuesday evening gravel rides are underway for those who are looking for some light(s) exercise during the week. Meet at All Terrain Cycles at 5:30pm sharp for a gravel circuit of one to one and a half hours.

Suitable for either gravel bikes or mountain bikes.

Finally…

Good luck to Damian Grundy and Shannon Rademaker who are heading for Cairns this week to race the UCI Masters World MTB Championships next weekend.

MMBCC News - Sat 3 May - Presentation Night

Happy Election Day to those that celebrate!

Summer Presentations

Summer Presentations for the 2024/25 race season will be held at the Mansfield Hotel on Wednesday 21 May.

Presentations will start at 7pm. But… please come along for dinner, starting at 6. If you would like to come for dinner, you need to RSVP by Sunday 18 May by using the MMBCC WhatsApp feed.

The club will shout all Junior members DINNER!

MMBCC News - Sun 13 Apr - Tumbashiftybrook

Tumbarumba

By Tim Ross

Riding friends passed on the news of a newly opened (read brand spanking new) MTB Park in Tumbarumba. After a quick location check on Google Maps, we cancelled a planned trip to Thredbo and headed there instead. An hour closer and a much easier drive, I was on a winner before we started.

Tumbarumba is north of Albury, tucked in against the western flank of the Snowy Mountains. The town reminds me a bit of Mansfield but half the size; remote and self-reliant. After being badly affected by the 2019-20 bushfires a small group of committed locals fundraised to purchase Mt Tumbarumba (which overlooks the town) and used a nice fat bushfire grant to build a trail network. See Mt Tumbarumba trail forks map

We spent half a day doing ride-ups (20 to 25 minutes, a nice steady gradient, easy corners) and tried a few of the main runs, Tumba Rumble first, then Cowabunga followed by Cattlepult for our second run. Already the kids had a new “Favourite Run Ever”.

Next day was a full day of shuttles, and we had the good fortune to have the driving force behind the park’s development (who is also the local bike shop owner) as our shuttle driver. He was full of stories and background to the park, as well as information on the various trails. Over the day we managed to ride most of the trails with the exception of a couple of dark blacks runs. Another day, another “Favourite Run Ever” (Send It Express).

The park is well set out with a variety of trail types, from long flowing jump lines, to old-school hand cut tech trails, to steep rock drop-offs. Some of the fastest and funnest green and blue trails we’ve come across. On the downside, not the biggest park around (about 27km of trail), and maybe not enough vertical for the hard-core downhiller. 

But wait, there’s more. Tumbarumba also has a older style MTB park in a pine forest close to town (little-used but well maintained and well signposted), a couple more smaller local trails, a sealed pump-track, and 21km of sealed rail trail leading out of the town.

Throw in a gin distillery, nice little coffee shop and plenty of other local attractions and you can see why we’ll be back to Tumbarumba again soon. A great option for your next family riding holiday!  See https://mttumbarumba.com.au/ for more info.

Shifty Fifty @ Buxton

By Tim Ross and Bruce Halket

Several MMBCC members journeyed to Buxton on Saturday to take part in a ‘Shifty Fifty’ race.

The event is part of a series of such events held over the cooler months of the year, see more at Big Hill Events.

Riders have the option of the full 50km course or the shorter Shifty Shorty (25 km). The Buxton course was a mixture of single track in the Buxton MTB Park, and gravel roads thru the pine forests adjoining.

Ruby Dobson (1st Open Women) and Damian Grundy (2nd 60+ Men) completed the longer course, while Ben Ross (1st U19 Men) and Cam Dobson (5th Open Men) and Tim Ross (8th Open Men) took on the shorter one.

Ex-Mansfielder Stefan Vaivars travelled across the Tasman to make a cameo appearance, on his brand new Specialized Epic from ATC.

Great racing all - well played!

A relaxed and fun format in which riders find themselves racing alongside all ages and genders. Events scheduled for later in the year include Anglesea and Castlemaine.

Sunday lunch @ Gracebrook

By Bruce Halket

Many thanks to Allan Gerrans for organising lunch at Gracebrook Winery in the King Valley today. A very pleasant Sunday was had by all!.

All the more reason to make sure you’re part of the MMBCC WhatsApp feed…

Let’s do it again soon!

Upcoming Events

Sea Otter Australia, Bateman’s Bay, 22-26 Oct.
The orignal Sea Otter Classic is currently on in California. This will be the same kind of thing with lots of expos, rides and races around Bateman’s Bay and the mountain bike trails at Mogo. It’ll be the biggest mtb event since the World’s.

MMBCC News - Wed 2 Apr - Series finale and a survey

ACC Junior MTB Series

By Tim Ross

The Alpine Cycling Club Junior MTB series concluded on last Saturday at Bright.  The event was an Enduro at Mystic, with one, two, three or four stages, followed by a pump-track race.

The Alpine Cycling Club Junior MTB series runs annually with a mixture of about six XC and Enduro events on age-appropriate tracks across north-east Victoria.  Races this season were held at Bright, Beechworth, Mt Beauty and Yackandandah. Age groups range from U5 (including balance bikes) to U15 with U9 and U11 having the most competitors.

Mansfield was again well-represented with 10 competitors. Some overnight rain (that had largely dissipated by the time the event began) had made the tracks a little greasy but a bit of mud just adds to the fun. All enjoyed the fun enduro format. 

Placegetters in the Enduro were Scout (1st in U9G), Sienna (2nd in U11G) and Blake (2nd in U15B). 

Placegetters in the Pump Track race-off were Sienna (2nd in U11G) and Ben (2nd in U15B).

Series presentations were held at the conclusion of the event; congratulations to Scout (1st in U9G) and Ben (2nd in U15B). 

The club trophy was also awarded, and for the first time MMBCC made the podium in third place (after Beechworth & Bright). Great effort by our team who have an average travel time of two plus hours to each event.

Thanks to all who represented our club this season: Jedd, Angus, Scout, Marley, Miles, Sienna, Errol, Baz, Hunter, Finley, Alastair, Jarrah, Duke, Ben and Blake.

Your voice matters: Calling all riders past and present

By Chelsea Warr and Matthew Gilmore 

Independent Review Team – Selection Policy and Junior (U19) Discipline-specific Criteria, 
AusCycling
 

We are reviewing the AusCycling selection policy and U19 discipline-specific criteria for UCI Junior World Championships.
As these policies directly impact riders, it’s crucial we have a strong athlete voice inputting to this review. 
We want to hear from as many Olympic and non-Olympic, categorised or non-categorised riders as possible. Riders' experiences in junior cycling, past or current, will help us get this right.
Here’s what we’re focused on:

  • We want selection policies that drive excellence across both Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines, inspiring the next generation of riders;

  • We want to see more junior riders progress with the resources we have;

  • We want to shine brightly in 2032, and our current policies will shape that future ambition;

  • We want riders' voices to guide us toward solutions that truly serve Australian cycling’s brightest talent;

  • Your perspective is crucial in achieving this.

Click here to go to the survey, which will take approximately 25 minutes to complete.

Survey closes at 5:00pm on Sunday, 6 April 2025


MMBCC News - Sat 29 Mar - Concussion and a collarbone

Concussion Guidelines for Athletes in Australian Sport

By Janine Appleton

At our last MMBCC Executive Committee meeting, we discussed the need for our members and their families to be aware and responsible for the implementation of the recommendations from the Concussion in Australian Sport report from the Australian Institute of Sport.

We’d like all parents and older teenagers to have a look at this information. There is a lot in it but I highly recommend the Athletes and the Parents and Teachers subsections.  

IN SUMMARY, the signs and symptoms of concussion are varied. People without medical training can use the Concussion Recognition Tool. You can download it from here or from here - print this out or copy and file it on your phone.

If in doubt after an incident, they should not return to play. 

Children under 18 should not return to contact/collision activities before 14 days from complete resolution of all concussion symptoms and a medical review before returning to full contact training.

Here is the main website.

There are health care practitioners in Mansfield that can use the Concussion in Group Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6 (SCAT6) and for children: the Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (Child-SCAT6) to assess concussion in children aged 5 – 12 years.as part of an overall clinical assessment to assess potential concussions. There are also health care practitioners in Mansfield that can help treat concussion symptoms.  

Please take the time over the next few weeks to have a really good look at this information. Print it out, share it, talk about it with your family members and friends. 

Thank you,

Janine Appleton, on behalf of the Executive Committee of Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club Inc.

Final Dirt Crits

By Dave Empey

The final Dirt Crits for 24/25 was held on Tuesday night on a dry and dusty track. And there were lots of new faces for the last race!

Ant Bateup showed everyone a clean pair of heels and took the win by two seconds over Archie Smith; Archie blaming the colour of his bike for the time deficit. Apparently purple is much slower than dark blue.

Spencer Carmen rounded out the top three; Spencer has been improving consistently over the season and was rewarded with a 3rd place.

Newcomer Scarlett D’Arcy rode well for a second place behind Carly Bingham with the ever-speedy midget Sienna Vivash taking third and rounding out the women’s podium.

The night wasn’t without incident - recently crowned National Masters 7 XC Champ Damian Grundy took a dirt nap and dislocated his little pinky!

Steve Curnow had a mechanical, or so he says, and failed to produce the result he was looking for in the last race.

Zac Empey turned up for his third bike ride in 12 months and seemed to have a good time, stating he wasn’t that fit and hates riding on flats in work boots.

Here are the results.

Thank you everyone for making dirt crits so enjoyable. It’s awesome racing and hopefully we will see bigger numbers again next season.

Last Road race of the season

By Tim Hall

The last road race of the season was held on the Merinda Way loop last Thursday 27 March. Two and a half laps anticlockwise (that’s around to the left for all you millennials with digital watches), rolling climbs, and a quick section coming down Monkey Gully Road past the tip before getting on the brakes and around the very rough corner at the Highton Lane intersection.

We enjoyed the starting list thanks Dave!

Dave ‘Lone Wolf’ Jagger led us off, followed by Dave ‘Mr Consistent’ Bock. Ian ‘The Wickerman’ Conrick and Bill ‘Just Visiting, Honest’ Bainger paired up to chase them down with just a 1 minute gap. Craig ‘Psyched Out’ Wilson, Tim ‘I’ve got Principals’ Hall and Adam ‘Leaving Mansvegas’ Baker followed at the 4 minute mark, rounding out the slower groups. Steve ‘ El Camelino’ Curnow and Adrian ‘Oh so rowdy’ Dowd at 7 minutes. Then a bigger group at 10 minutes with Steve ‘531 watts’ Duke, Mick ‘the legend’ Pearce, Simon ‘where am I going’ Mulvihil, Jason ‘Mr Niceguy’ Parker and Tim ‘M town diesel’ Ross. At the 11 minute mark, Darren ‘Mario’ Bakker, Heath ‘can I please have a single digit number’ Hammond and Simon ‘B town diesel’ Hall. Block group was Dave ‘the handicapper’ Moore and Chris ‘wolf pack’ Miller. Chris had his personal cheer squad running around his ankles at the start, just to show we’re a family friendly mob. Scratch group at 14 minutes was Andy ‘straight to the pool room’ Garrett and Damian ‘The Champ’ Grundy, Damian fresh from national mountain biking success – well done on that one Damian.

It was a messy kind of ride – all the hills and the changing wind directions made consistent and steady bunch riding difficult. At the front, Bock, Jagger, Conrick and Bainger were all caught in the second lap; Jagger grateful to be able to sit behind the Wilson/Baker/Hall trio having done most of the ride solo. The hills made a mess of the bunch with Hall and Baker riding away. Baker then dropped Hall on the Stoneleigh Road straight and rode away to take the win. The slower groups were all pleased to be able to hold off the back-markers to the end.

At the back end of the race, Moore and Miller caught the Bakker/Hammond/Hall trio early on, before Miller rode away from them and weaving through the big group in front, fighting it out with Bakker for 8th and 9th place. Garrett and Grundy worked hard but didn’t manage to catch the groups in front.

Thanks to all the committee, volunteers and officials for their efforts every week, to keep us all safe and racing. What an awesome bunch of people!

And thanks to the club for being welcoming of all comers, regardless of skill/fitness. We really appreciate being ‘The Social Club with a Cycling Problem.’

A final big thanks to Tony Copland for his weekly images.

Here are the results. And keep any eye out for news soon of the summer series presentations.

Collarbone holiday

For those who’ve heard the rumours, Bruce is currently convalescing in Angelsea after cracking his collarbone on his first little mountain bike ride of the holiday. And even though he’s been a relatively good patient, nurse Jenni has vowed that he’s never allowed to ride his mountain alone while on holiday again!

The x-ray doesn’t show much but there is a small crack near the sternum. Not that Lola the border collie seems too concerned.

One fun aspect of the holiday so far has been wearing a St Kilda t-shirt down in Geelong country on the Surf Coast. Go Saints!

MMBCC News - Mon 24 Mar - It's all about teamwork

Victorian Down Hill Series - Round 6, Mansfield

By Dave Empey

Thank you everyone for your efforts this weekend.

Mel, great job organising our volunteers. All your efforts made for a great event.

I have to give Matty and Zac a big shout out for building a cracker track.

Adam Baker thank you for your efforts assisting everyone.

So thank everyone who helped and sorry I haven’t named everyone individually.

Here are some notable MMBCC results from VDHS round 6 in Mansfield…

U15 Men
Keegan Carman, 14th.

U19 Men
Spencer Carman, 19th.

Elite Women
Bella Green, 2nd.

Elite Men
Matt Empey, 2nd. (3rd overall in the whole series)

March 18 Teams Race

By Damian Grundy

So this is it… the last Dirt Crits 2024/2025 XC race report!

As the handicapper I came armed with a list of Dirt Crit Rider’s previous race speeds.

I had decided on a Team’s Race format with teams of 3 riders, 1 rider to complete 4 laps, 1 rider to complete 3 laps and 1 rider to complete 2 laps, then add their individual times to see which team had the fastest combined time.

It was a good turn out with 18 riders including three first-timers Scarlett D’Arcy, Emma D’Arcy (armed with an E-Bike), and Sienna Vivash.

The Teams lined up as follows:

Team 1: Beauty and the Beasts: Damian Grundy, 4 laps; Steve Curnow, 3 laps; Scarlett D’Arcy, 2 laps.

Team 2: Two Colts & A Filly: Ben Ross, 4 laps; Dan Hall, 3 laps; Sienna Vivash, 2 laps.

Team 3: Dirt Diggers: Ant Bateup, 4 laps; Luke Vivash, 3 laps; Willem Morphett, 2 laps.

Team 4: Not Too Cool 4 This: Archie Smith, 4 laps, Nicole Hoebergen, 3 laps, Micah Chadd, 2 laps.

Team 5: Wishing they had 3 motors: Tim Ross, 4 laps (corrected); Emma D’Arcy, 3 laps, Cooper Hoebergen, 2 laps.

Team 6: We Should have Stayed in Bed: David Bock, 3 laps; Cody Stephens, 3 laps; Blake Riley, 2 laps.

And so the starter said GO and it was down to racing. A mad dash at the start with Tim Ross furiously trying to hold off Ben Ross at the front… really Tim?! Lol! I keep saying that that ship has well and truly sailed. It didn’t take long for young Ben to assert his familial superiority and take the lead. Ben was definitely on a flyer. He then cut four fast laps and finished the night as fastest on course. Questions were being asked as to the performance of a recently crowned National Champion. Fact is he was beaten fair and square, a credit to Ben.

Here are the results for individual and team times. Despite the announced podium on the night a review of the time calculations has found a couple of small errors.

Fastest team on the night was in fact Team 4: Not Too Cool For This: Archie Smith, Nicole Hoebergen and Micah Chadd with a combined time of 84 min and 6 seconds,

Second was Team 3: Dirt Diggers; Ant Bateup, Luke Vivash and Willem Morphett at 84 min and 34 seconds

Third was Team 1: Beauty and the Beasts: Damian Grundy, Steve Curnow and Scarlett D’Arcy.

Thanks Adam Baker for handling timing, and thanks everyone for your attendance. See you all at the presentation night.

Racing respite in the rain

By David Jagger

Thursday rolled around again, and most riders were preparing themselves for yet another hot and dry race. To their delight the sky was grey and the road wet from a few afternoon showers. The slight splash of water coming off the road was a rare delight for the riders after of months of hot Thursday evenings.

David Jagger was the first to head out on the Whitfield Road with a couple of minutes head start on Dave Bock who was obvious in his rain jacket. Bill Bainger who has ridden extensively but has only raced a few times, teamed up with Tim Hall.

Craig Wilson has been training hard preparing for a riding trip to Italy but was disadvantaged as his teammate left their riding gear at home. The force of Darren Bakker, Simon Hall, Steve Duke and Mick Pearce were always going to be a chance to take the prize for the night as they had a good handicap over the scratch group of Andy Garrett, Bruce Halket and Dave Moore.

The turn around at Sawpit Gully Road still saw David Jagger in the lead but with Tim and Bill gaining fast. Utilising the fast run back into town, Andy, Bruce and Dave gradually caught Bocky and Craig before the Barwite Road but the pace was proving a bit tough for Dave and he was dropped from the group.

On the edge of town, a large group formed and were desperately sprinting to catch the leading three riders who had kept a persistently good speed since they came together at Long Lane. Rounding the corner into Mt Battery Road together it was a battle to see who had the legs to sprint up the hill to the Showgrounds.

A large crowd of supporters had gathered and were excited to watch a sprint finish.

Tim Hall took the win ahead of David Jagger and Bill Bainger. Bruce Halket led the main peloton up the hill to snatch fourth from Darren Bakker and Andy Garrett.

All competitors enjoyed the change in weather and had an enjoyable race. Thanks to everyone who helped to make the race possible.

Here are the results and many thanks to Tony Copland and Alex Green for their images.

Next week is the final race of the Summer Series, two and a half laps around the Merinda Way Loop.

MMBCC News - Sun 16 Mar - Grundy Gold!

MTB Nationals at Mt Buller

A quick word from Damian…

I would like to thank and congratulate everyone in the club.

The support and encouragement are so important. The racing, road and mountain bike, are fundamental to all of our performances.

I love the weekly racing. I would not have the competitive chance that I did if it wasn't for being pushed by everyone at our races.

And the weekend training rides have to be mentioned. Just fantastic.

Thanks everyone involved.

Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club has every reason to be so proud

RESULTS SUMMARY

Downhill

Masters 3: Shannon R, 3rd

Elite Women: Bella G, 9th.

Elite Men: Matt E, 25th; Zac E, 44th

U19 Men: Spencer C, 45th

U17 Men: Jacob T, 37th; Ewan R, 52nd

U15 Men: Keegan C, 28th; Mannix P, 31st; Blake R, 32nd

U13 Men: Cooper H, 5th

XCO

Masters 7: Damian G, 1st and NATIONAL CHAMPION, Bruce H, 4th

U23 Women: Ruby D, 2nd

U15 Men: Ben R, 12th

XCC

U23 Women: Ruby D, 2nd

U15 Men: Ben R, 12th

XCR

Junior Relay: ‘North East Fliers’ including Ben R and Ruby R, 5th

Ant by a bee’s

By Dave Empey

It was a hot and steamy night on Tuesday 11 March but luckily there was only ‘some’ uphill in the downhill track. A new track was devised to inflict maximum pain and suffering and some really go-fast sections.

It was Ant Bateup who prevailed but only just. He and Archie Smith having equal combined times; however, it was Ant who had the fastest lap time of the night pipping Archie by two seconds. Archie must be commended because he had two identical lap times.

Rounding out the top five were Luke Vivash, Ben Ross and Tom Logan-Williams. These three were all close together but still 30 seconds behind the dynamic duo of Bateup and Smith.

Cam Dobson’s recent good form eluded him as he became geographically embarrassed on his first lap which put him a long way off the pace. however, he did have a nice ride through the mountain bike park.

Stu Clark also had one of those nights with a flat on the ride up and being MIA on the second lap. It might have been a guy that looked like Stu but I’m not sure. He was eventually sighted at the finish line.

Here are the results.

As I write this on Tuesday night after the race, good luck to all the club members that will be racing national champs this weekend at Mt Buller.

A special ‘sucks to be you’ moment goes to Ryder Chadd. Unfortunately for Ryder he had a ‘hugey’ on the pump track at Buller last weekend and took a big hit so wasn’t able to race this weekend. This is a shame because he has been riding exceptionally well lately with several excellent results. Heal up Ryder, there are many more nationals to come for you!

Volunteers needed

We’re still looking for volunteers for next weekend’s downhill race.

After all this rain, it won’t be nearly so dusty.

Please contact Mel Green if you can spare a few hours.

The fight for second

By Dale Walton

So it was to be a two hour drive for the four of us from Eastern Cycling Club to race this weekend with Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club (MMBCC). We generally race criterium and graded scratch races with the odd yearly handicap thrown in, so we were all suitably apprehensive about the handicapping that each of us would receive given the hilly terrain, particularly at the start of the race.

The general intel from our good friends and MMBCC members Steve Duke and Craig Oliver would be “They`re shorter handicaps up here, so expect them to be full gas from the start`.

“Oh great!” we thought.

We headed out for a reccy of the course before meeting the friendly and welcoming Marshals & Commissaires and receive the pre-race brief.

I was in the second Scratch group (13:30) and thankfully the local riders were accommodating in ensuring none of us were immediately thrown out the back. They appeared content in working together as a group which was refreshing as Melbourne handicaps can be frantic and can end before they begin.

Up and over the second rise we were still together and were catching individual riders as other groups were splintering. The momentum was short lived as a red flag was raised at the first turnaround point but was a welcome chance to rest and recover before getting back into formation and pushing on.

On the left turn into Barwite Road, the group raised the intensity with the tailwind. I was starting to feel it so decided to sit in for a period as the local riders appeared quite strong and willing to rotate amongst themselves. Dave Moore asked me if I was cooked and I replied `a bit average` and looked to buy myself a bit of time before rejoining the rotations after the Barwite turnaround point.

By then we’d both picked up and dropped a number of riders from other groups.

Thankfully the push into the headwind was not as hard as expected but the group appeared to be losing its formation so in my mind, the threat of being caught by Scratch was ever increasing. We hit the main road and was full gas towards the final left turn and the finish straight.

On approach, the speed increased and the jostling for position started when one of the other groups passed us on the left and unexpectedly turned right towards the township! Luckily one of the regular riders correctly took the group into the finishing straight and we lined up in anticipation of the sprint.

Preferring a hill sprint and being told the local riders wouldn’t go early, I figured having a tail wind combined with the element of an early surprise, I`d launch into the sprint early in the hope I could hold it.

Half way up I could feel someone on my wheel and then slowly got passed by (I think) Ant Bateup. It became a one-on-one race of attrition as both of us were starting to fade. Not exactly knowing what position we were sprinting for, I put in a second effort just to try to get to the line in second position overall. (Because by the time we’d gotten to the line, Craig Wilson had already taken the win, warmed down and finished his first beer!)

I really don’t know how we held off Scratch, so credit to all the guys in the 13:30 group in taking it to the line together.

Thanks to all the Marshals and Commissaires for running a safe and enjoyable race, and making us feel more than welcome to join in. We`ll certainly be back to race again with MMBCC as we all thoroughly enjoyed the racing and the social side at the Mansfield Hotel afterwards.

Here are the results and Tony’s pics.

A special thanks also to Karyn & Richard Evans at Burnt Creek Cottages for their accommodation & hospitality.

Alpine Cycling Club Junior MTB series

By Caitlin Riley

Nine current and ex dirt critters  travelled from Mansfield to Mount Beauty on Saturday to compete in the second last round of the Alpine Cycling Club Junior MTB series. It was a gravity enduro round with the kids keen to test out their downhill skills.

It was best of two runs with under 9’s, u11, u13, u15 all taking on the same track with some fast times and all improving on their first runs.

U5 & U7’s were on a shorter course but still have to earn their turns with a decent climb up to the start.

The weather was warm and and a great turn out from the Mansfield crew with Sienna, Miles, Scout & Duke all making the podium. 

Well done to all, everyone put in a might effort!

RESULTS

U15 Boys: Duke H, 2nd

U13 Boys: Errol H, 12th

U11 Boys: Miles V, 2nd; Finley C, 7th; Barry H, 12th

U11 Girls: Sienna V, 1st

U9 Boys: Angus C, 9th

U9 Girls: Scout R, 1st

Well done all!

MTB Nationals Update

You may be aware that the Auscycling National MTB Championships are being held on Mt Buller this week/weekend. Lots of MMBCC members are racing. Here’s a list:

Downhill: Shannon R, Matt E, Zac E, Bella G, Ewan R, Jacob T, Spencer C, Mannix, Keegan C, Blake R, Cooper H.

Cross Country: Damian G, Bruce H, Ruby D, Tom L-W, Ben R, Ruby R.

(Special mention to Ryder, who was riding everything until he wasn’t.)

Not a bad effort for a small town club!.

For spectators, best times over the weekend are;

 Downhill: racing on Saturday from 1:30pm to 5pm, starting from Spurs.

Cross Country: Saturday 10am to 1pm (U13 and U15), Sunday 8am to 4:30pm (all the rest), racing centred on the Mt Buller Village.

Here’s a link to the detailed schedule.