Progression

So we have hit 2012, we are we heading? To answer this I did a little searching and decided to have a quick look back before looking ahead. The only way to look right back was to get a couple of back issues of AMB all the way back to 2002, here we go!

Think Ansett, “Axis of evil”, One.Tel and Lleyton as No.1. In Australian mountainbiking Paul Rowney (Yeti) was attempting to tear the short-track and XC World Cup events apart. Nathan Rennie was stamping his dominance at the top end of the DH scene. Mass participation events like the Mont24 and RRR were likely to be at the top of many MTBers must do list.

Progression of MTBing was at the forefront in all areas. Freeride was emerging with DHers and some crazy cats on hardtails took on gaps, drops and flips. 300mm travel forks for the DHers, weighty NiMH batteries but the globes were changing from halogen (some DIY systems were outrageous) for those who ride for a couple of hours at night. Sustainability was being linked as an issue and dedicated MTB parks, like Eagle Park where in the development stage.
I had a mountainbike, a budget mongoose, which I used to get around on just for a bit of fun. Three by eight, V-brakes, coil-elastomer suspension. When I was out on the dirt it would be a flat, stick in the derailleur or a crash that would have me limping home. But now on my Yeti with UST tyres, set trails to ride and years worth of bike handling experience I’m more likely to get home trouble free.

Progression still regains at the forefront of all MTB areas. Triple flips for the stunt masters. Light LED lights with extensive burn times for those who get out at night. Then there is carbon fiber that can be spotted even on DH rigs. Areas like the south coast of NSW, country Victoria and SE QLD have an ever-expanding network of trails. There are now a few dedicated sustainable MTB parks now in full swing in every state.

From here it looks like the mountainbiking future is set. Building on the fundamental stones placed sturdily in the dirt over the years. Be it greater participation, stage races and expansion into super D. You will be riding more of the great trails around Australia.

Mid North Coast Trails - Pt 3 Kempsey

The mid north coast of NSW is becoming a hotspot of MTB locations. From Taree to Grafton there are trails be maintained by local clubs. I stopped in Kempsey for a taste of their great trails. The Golf Course Trail is fun and flowing, the trail offers quite a few options the further up the hill you ride. The trail makes its way through a variety of surfaces, smooth hard-pack, loose over hard, gravel and rocks, and of course a bit of "built" trail into the natural environment. The Kempsey MTBers are regularly out on the trail, check in at Kempsey Bike & Skate or online for the latest on when and where if you wish to get involved.

Mid North Coast Trails - Pt 2 Nambucca

The mid north coast of NSW is becoming a hotspot of MTB locations. From Taree to Grafton there are trails be maintained by local clubs. I stopped in at Nambucca for a taste of their great trails. Jacks Ridge Trail is a raw and fun trail with plenty of challenges for everyone. Pick an A-line and find all sorts of challenges built into the natural environment. The Nambucca MTB crew are regularly out on the trail and race there monthly. I look forward to riding an enduro at Jacks Ridge in the near future.

Mid North Coast Trails - Pt 1 Port Mc

The mid north coast of NSW is becoming a hotspot of MTB locations. From Taree to Grafton there are trails be maintained by local clubs. I stopped in at Port for a taste of their great trails. The Gordon St Cycles 6hr & Merida 12hr was hosted here early 2011. From what I hear the event is pushing out to a 24hr for 2012! Don't forget to check it out.

Saturday Morning, all flat, not flat out.

Small bunch ride with the Tri club, good average speed and a nice little sprint. Another great summers morning. Bryton Data Link.

The Parklands Ride

Starting just off the M7, at Dean Park, I rode along the Western Sydney Parklands track recently.

The Western Sydney Parklands is not strictly a mountain bike trail, more general purpose walking and riding, however, it provides an alternate area to ride. It for most of the track, it meanders through flat grass land, passing the occasional park and playground. The path runs past Blacktown Olympic Park to finally join up with the bike path along the M7.

After the easy flat run of the Parklands trail, it was nice to ride along the M7 bike path with a few slight hills thrown in. We turned around at one of the water stops along the M7 which made 10kms, and headed back along the M7 Cycleway to Richmond Road, and onto Dean Park.

Our Western Sydney Parklands ride was virtually empty, only passing a couple of people, and these were walkers. The M7 had numerous riders on the path and all were courteous.

An enjoyable, and easy ride.

One of the last rides from 2011

Headed up to Winmalee for a social ride. Having ridden up their only to get just a little lost I was keen to get a guided tour from riders who frequent the area more often. We had some fun and I didn't get lost. A good little ride.

Link to the video at CrummyMTB on YouTube.

Bunch Ride

1 Jan 2012. Road Ride with Penrith Club. Super consistent sitting in the bunch, then ramped up the speed while on the front till the turn point. Cheers.

Link to Bryton