Ginja Ninja Race Report - Belinda Althaus

Last Sunday the 16 Feb 14, riders descended on the trails of Kinross State Forest in Orange for the annual Ginja Ninja 250, held by Rocket on 2 Wheels.  Unfortunately the weather proved a deterrent for some riders with a handful of non-starters, however for those that did turn-up on the drizzly Sunday morning the race was going to prove a challenge in all aspects. With the rain setting in, there was a possibility of a delayed start, but to the luck of us eager riders the rain cleared half hour prior to race start and it was a case of go-hard or go home.  

150 odd riders competing as solos, single-speeders, pairs and trios contended the fast flowing 9km circuit around the forest.  There were 4 females contending the solo elite women. With minimal fire road and maximum single track, the race was tight, semi technical due to the wet, but loads of fun.  

The race started with a mass start up a fire-road before we traversed through the single track.  The first lap sorted the riders out, with a decent section of single track up a climb in the first kilometre giving those with speed a chance to gain a break from the field. The mud was a plenty, as were the various puddles that had popped up over the morning, however this didn’t bother the determined and we charged on.

Bel is having fun mist the mud.

I was able to get into a rhythm early; however parts of the track were quickly getting chewed up after all the rain.  Corners required careful execution, descents were a little slippery but overall the track held up, and I was able to hold consistent lap times.  Around the half way mark I was keen to know my position, and when I asked my assistant I was under the assumption that the leader was about half a lap (20mins) in front of me.  In the conditions, this was going to be a massive task; therefore I made the decision to keep at the pace I was going and prevent any other ladies from lapping me.  

Lap 6 concluded at a time of 4hr 4min, and I was at the point of making a decision to push out another lap, or roll in for the day.  Still under the assumption that I wasn’t near the leader I procrastinated before making the decision to head out again.  The final lap was quiet with many riders already finished, this made for a good lap.  I finally came through transition for the final time, relieved to be finished and to finally get some of the mud that had caked to my body off.  

A quick clean up and it was off to presentations.  At this point I still had no idea where I was sitting, but was pretty certain I had a podium spot.  To my surprise, Laura Renshaw who I thought was in first came in third, myself in second and Danielle Pollock pipping me on the post by a mere two minutes with us both totally 7 laps.  

Downside for the day was getting a flat around 4 laps, however with my trusty Lezyne Trigger Co2 pump, and tubeless tyres I was rolling within a few minutes.  It was a great day out with everyone enthusiastic and friendly even amongst all the mud.  Rodney Farrell did a superb job with organising the event, and the timing was efficient.  All the volunteers were friendly and the photographers and spectators/fellow cyclist were encouraging.  I will certainly try get back there in 2015 to give this one another go!