MMBCC at the Rookie Cup
By Luke Vivash
A group of young riders proudly represented MMBCC this spring at the Joyride Rookie Cup – a youth downhill mountain bike series held across four events. Serving as a pathway into the Vic DH series, this event has become one of the most popular races in Australia, attracting talent from across the country.
Mansfield riders Cooper Hoebergen, Keegan and Spencer Carman, Ewan Rogan, and Sienna Vivash competed in the series, with the final race held last week at Mt Major in Dookie.
The competition wasn't without its challenges, as Saturday's practice saw bikes caked in mud so thick that the wheels would no longer spin. Youth pit crews lined the track, scraping mud from racers’ wheels as they pushed through the final sprint. Thankfully, Sunday brought perfect conditions for race day.
Sienna Vivash had an exceptional series, bringing home the trophy for the overall U11 Girls category after placing 1st in all four races with impressive times.
All the Mansfield riders delivered clean runs, aside from a gust of wind affecting Keegan’s flight path on the final jumps, causing him to crash-land outside the bunting.
It was a fantastic series and an incredible experience for young riders aged 9-16 interested in trying downhill racing.
Dirt Critters Update
By Tim Ross
Next Tuesday Dirt Critters will be at Rifle Butts Reserve. As usual 4pm for the younger group, 4:45pm for the older group with teenage ex-Dirt Critters encouraged to join adult Dirt Crits at 6pm.
We had a fantastic ride along the Delatite River from Carter's Road to Mirimbah and back last Tuesday, one of the best single track rides around! Three groups separately navigated the track with only a couple of minor scrapes and blackberry scratches.
Pictured is the whole group at Mirimbah prior to their ride back to base.
As usual a massive thanks to the parents who rode with us, without them we simply couldn't do these rides.
Our final Dirt Critters for the year will be on Tuesday 17 December, more details next week.
Dirt Crits Long Course
By Damian Grundy
This was a true test for the committed racers from the MMBCC Dirt Crits crew.
Yes, the day had been hot and sticky, and yes, there was remote threat of a storm… maybe. But it never eventuated.
But when the going gets tough, the sensible stay at home!
Fourteen intrepid souls turned out for the final 2024 XC edition of Dirt Crits on Tuesday 3 December.
A long, long, long, course had been set out, essentially taking in 95% of the available trails. I do love this long course lap 😊
Based on ability and age, riders had to negotiate either a single lap, or a lap and a half or, for the faster types, two full laps.
First out of the start gate was Cam Dobson on his 2-lap effort followed by the rest at their allotted start times.
And so the race went.
At the end it was Reuben Bateup crossing the line first with a finish time of 40 min 04 sec. It is great to see Reuben returning to some good form after a recent heavy crash. Stay upright out there Reuben.
Darren Bakker crossed the line in 2nd at 41 min 08 sec, a first ever MTB Dirt Crits podium for Darren. It is worth mentioning that Darren took a couple of dives during the race and finished a little bruised and bloodied but obviously happy for a well-deserved podium. Darren also finished second at the Jamieson Road race on Thursday evening, a very consistent week.
Shannon Rademaker was 3rd another couple of minutes later.
It has to be noted that there is no coincidence that the first three place getters were all on 1.5 laps. The handicapper NEVER makes mistakes like calculating handicaps with an incorrect lap distance. 😊 Of course, if any participants are deeply offended by the idea that handicapping mistakes might happen they are more than welcome to take over the job. 😊
In 4th – Dan Hall and 5th Adam Baker.
Congratulations to everyone and thanks as always to the time keepers on the night, Rob Holmgren and Ben Grundy
Racing for pizza
By Dario Cippollini Gazetta
23 riders greeted the starter on a hot night in Jamieson to race one of the club’s favourite courses.
Tony Morris was first away followed by Micala Jacobs, then Di Condie and John Eisner. Next off was Adam Baker, Daves Bock and Jagger; then Steve Curnow, Ian Conrick, Tim Hall and Craig Wilson.
Next away was Jason Parker, Adrian Dowd and Mick Pearce (back for his first race this season.)
Starting next was Damian Grundy, Steve Duke and last week’s winner, Simon Hall, followed by the dangerous Block group of Dave Moore, Steve Brown, Ryder Chadd and Darren Bakker. Chasing off Scratch was Bruce Halket and Smokey Garrett.
By the half way mark the race was coming together as the Block group powering through the other riders and the Scratch group not making enough headway to feature in the finish.
Coming into the final few kilometres, the Block group had collected a large amount of riders that were all jostling for position for the all-important sprint into the city limits. Big Steve Brown decided to dispense with as many riders as possible by doing a big turn of speed, spitting out a few riders that were only just hanging on. Bakker jumped on his wheel but drifted to the front way too early for the sprint with all the others looking for a lead out.
Bakker started his sprint early, trying to catch the others off guard, which worked to a certain degree. But he couldn’t maintain the gap; young gun Ryder Chadd powering to the line and collecting fastest time too!
Bakker held on for second ahead of Grundy in third after a strong ride. Everyone else came in not far behind.
Here are the results and many thanks to Jenni Sparnon and Tony Copland for the pics.
Thanks to all the marshalls, Commissaires and helpers on the night. Also Thanks to Janine for organising the delicious pizzas at the Brewery and a good evening was had by all.
Next week is the last race of the year, around the Merinda Way Loop.
