Dirt Crits
The first Seniors Dirt Crits race last Tuesday was a ‘seeding’ race - to form the basis of handicaps for the rest of the season.
Five laps of a ‘Dave Empey Signature’ course awaited the 16 riders on the start line.
After a slight navigational issue at the start, Ruby Dobson made her way to the front of the field and was never headed. Dan Friday and Bruce Halket fought it out behind her with Dan comfortably taking the second step on the podium. Here are the results.
Big ‘ups’ to some Tuesday night newcomers: Dan Riley, Stu Clark, Ant Bateup and Rob Mosley.
Next week will be a series of graded races, based on these results; we might even find out who was sand bagging.
Ruby’s form obviously continued through to the weekend… congratulations to Ruby on winning the first round of the Victorian MTB Championship Series at Forrest on Saturday. Hopefully she’ll repeat the result at Sunday’s race two.
The next round of the series will be at Ballarat next weekend; the round after that will be held at Eildon on Sunday 10 January. More details on the series here.
Howes Creek, O’Hanlons and THAT hill!
By Tim Hall
It was a beautiful night for racing – warm and sultry, but the finish at the top of the hill of O’Hanlon Rd / Campagnolo’s Road is always dreaded by those in the know.
Limit riders John Eisner, Di Condie and David Jagger started together but quickly left John behind on the rolling hills of Howes Creek Road. John was later heard to say that he was off to have some serious words of displeasure with the handicapper.
Second limit group of Tim Hall, Craig ‘Wil’ Wilson and Andrew Clark worked well together to catch Limit on the way out, making a robust group of five for the rest of the race.
Behind them Janine Appleton and Mike Pearce worked together, too strong for Steve Curnow who fell off the group early. Janine was determined to beat daughter Talia up the climb to the finish. Mike rode strongly, noting this as his first race with the club.
Great to have Rob Skinner back racing after some considerable time off the bike. His group, with Talia, Ian Gipps and Anthony Plumber got caught by Scratch, but not early enough for them to help Talia to catch Janine.
Back at Scratch, Matt Hoskin also had his first ride with the club. Ewyn Carter was fast on the flat, with Will Calvert-Jones and James Dunn just fast throughout. Scratch caught ‘Block, then it all fell apart in the chase for the front markers.
Heading back in from the McMillan Point Drive turn-around, the Limit group worked hard to stay away. Although nearly missing the turn into Campagnolo Road, Tim was first around the corner and made best use of a small break to push on up the hill to the line to take the win in a corrected time of 48:23.
Everyone struggles on the hill; it’s a great commendation to the club members that every rider is encouraged and cheered across the line. Wil came in second, with Dave third.
Fastest time went to James Dunn, off Scratch, in a time of 38:19.
Thanks as always to the race committee and the marshals, who make all this possible!
Here are the results and many thanks once again to Tony Copland for the pics (Isn’t it strange how no one seems to be smiling on the O’Hanlon Road shots?! - Ed.)
Next week’s racing is the Barwite Loop; starting at Rodwell’s, and finishing on Mt Battery Road outside the Showgrounds. Entries to John Eisner by 8pm Wednesday night thanks!
Club kit sales open soon
The MMBCC club kit from Ventou has been updated and will be available for sale shortly. The logos on the jersey have been updated to include AusCycling for a cleaner, neater look.
If you want club kit for the fist time, or need to update your tired, old stuff, please contact Bruce.
(It takes about 8 weeks to make the kit once the orders are finalised… so think about the cooler weather next year too - Ventou make a really good winter jacket at a reasonable price.)
ATC Gravel shop ride
All Terrain Cycles are now hosting a Wednesday night, no-drop, gravel ride. Over the ‘summer months’ (while we have Daylight Savings) we’ll meet at ATC in High St at 5.50 every Wednesday evening for an hour of meandering off-road followed by a fermented recovery beverage at a local watering hole.
Everyone is welcome!