Inverell Photos

Rifle Range Rd Track Other Trail

Inverell

Mountainbiking in central northern NSW has a lot to offer. Inverell local area has a variety of levels of trails to ride on. Check out these spots.
The Goonoowigall Reserve 6km south west of the township offers beginner level trails. The terrain is well graded in most places made up of light gravel over hardpack. Features include plenty of small water bars, small step-ups and downs, and granite smooth rock sections. In the most southern section of the Waterfall Circuit, the main arterial trail, it does get a little tough with a series of single track pinch climbs in the clockwise direction. The trails are frequented by plenty of walkers, be wary of groups. Goonoowingal Waterfall Circuit is a 5km loop nice for a quick blast.
Still in Inverell, SE of town, head down Rifle Range Rd for 4km, take the RH Y and continue for 300m. This is where you will find more advanced trails. This are is also frequented by Motos but I was alone the morning I visited. There is a great quick loop that winds its way over the hill, best ridden anti-clockwise. You utilise the granate rock face for climbing then sweep off the top into a heap of nice burms and jumps.
There is a ton of trails to be discovered. I linked in additional short single tracks leading off from the general area, again it used the smooth rock sections for climbing sections. It was an easy spot to find and great riding for an hour or two. Get out here for XC and light FR.
To further explore the area on MTB, speak to the boss of Bikes on Byron in Inverell. There is no longer a MTB Club in town, but I heard talk of a comeback. It seems MTBs are out selling the other bikes locally. Road cycling is big in Inverell I found out, there were small groups of teenagers getting around town on two skinny wheels and in lycra. For more info on road rides ask at the local bike store on Byron.

Travels

Manly Dam circuits have been fun most mornings over the last week. A fast couple of laps or a casual couple of hours on the bike, finding fast lines, bombing the dh sections and tackling tech rock climbs. Next time I am in the area I will explore Oxford Falls, from what I hear it can be tougher than the dam. Fun!

As for this week, exploring the mid-north coast. Looking at tracks near Kempsey, if the weather eases from this rain. Full report of Kempsey to come.

Holidays?

A rest from work can mean more time on the bike. Watch out for me training around the Hawksbury, Manly Dam or on the mid north coast.

Results this year have included, 1st at Round 1 of the Rocky Trail MTB Grand Prix, 2nd in the Elite SCUM XC Series, 3rd in Open Mens at the SCUM 30/60 Enduro, 4th in the A Grade Men WSMTB/MWMTB XC Series, 4th in A Grade at the ADCC MTB Enduro Championship, 4th in Solo Men at the Ay-up Dusk to Dawn QLD and again Qualified for 24hr Solo World Championships with a good result from the Australian 24hr Solo MTB Championship.

Thanks to Tony from Energy Supplements Australia for his on going support with the Natural Energy of FRS. Also to Shane from Bikes at the Basin for continuing to support my sweet rides. And Duncan of DIY MTB who helps out mostly with suspension, check out their 2010 X-Fusion forks.

Be safe and catch ya next year!

SCUM Annual 30/60km Enduro

This was the third time I have competed in the various versions of SCUM's end of year 30/60km fun ride. This year the track designer was offering a massive 30km loop consisting of sections from popular the Butterfly and Superbowl single tracks. The 30km loop was to also include open fire trail sections, power-line climbs and old moto single tracks. There was promise of a free BBQ too.
It was a mixed race but the highlights for me included a great start on the one km or so of fire-trail heading into the first section of single track around the top five. The lead riders make the mistake of taking the beginners track giving me the lead through to the next section of fire-trail.
I finally figured the small block eights have had their day as over the first half of the lap I struggled to keep the rear end firmly planted though corners. In the dry dusty conditions the semi slick nature of the rear tyre just didn't suit. Time to try a different tread.
Over the first half of the lap I lost a heap of time to Dave from the Bike Shack and Kurt "I am Merida" but with some incident free and a little effort I made up the time. Riding with them for a few kilometers I felt good and took lead of the group. It was then (20-25km mark) when I made the error of the ride, I attempted to bunny-hop over a puddle with the landing to be on the dried mud section on the other side. This dried mud section turned out to be soft and deep. I touched down with the front wheel, burying it. All I remember is a rag-doll style deceleration into my handlebars and finding myself twisted around the bike in the dirt a couple of meters from the puddle. Ouch, it hurt, but nothing looked major, just blood from the right knee, left knee and elbow. I made my way back on the bike, slowly, in pursuit of Dave and Kurt. At the transition between the laps I caught them. We were caught by a following rider at this time as well, a friendly enduro rider from Canberra. They all stopped to refuel and grab a fresh bottle, I made clean bottle swaps and headed out for the second 30.
My second lap was some what a better one than the first, gaining here and there, then loosing a bit on the climbs. Dave turned the power on and was out of sight in minutes. Kurt was holding on strong but by the 45km mark had slipped back. We passed the lead single speed rider, he wanted to know which way was the fastest back to transition. We were near the back of the Nowra suburbs at this stage. Also out this way were the stragglers from the 30km, having fun in the sand and battling cramps. Heading back along the fire-trails our Canberra friend took a bad line around one of the designer water features incorporated into the loop. This gave me a gap in which to work on and I went for it, attempting to put as much time between us. Holding the gap to the finish, it was almost 3:15hrs for the 60km (closer to 70km said some). Placing third in Open Mens and fourth overall. Stiff and sore I feasted on the free watermelon and BBQ. It was again terrific work by the SCUM team to but on such a great event, online rego via MTBA, two computers on the day for rego, port-a-loo, BBQ and great atmosphere. Could these type of rides become more regular on the SCUM calendar in the future?
Thanks to FRS - Natural Energy, Bikes at the Basin and DIY MTB for their ongoing support. Have a festive period!