WSMTB Summer Series Twilight 4hr Round

We weren't able to make the first round of the series due to another riding engagement but with the calendar clear and the end of our summer holiday period almost over, the twilight round of WSMTB's Summer Series was good to go.

The holiday period had meant we were able to prepare nicely (a visit to Orange for XCO Nats included), with a quick check on Strava for the route and a multitude of visits to familiarise ourselves with the trails.

Of course the summer weather was punching pretty high with plenty on heat during the buildup and on race day, when we arrived at Yellomundee mid afternoon there was little getting away from the scorching conditions.

A few riders mentioned prior to starting that it could be a race of attrition, particularly if the sweltering heat stuck around into the evening, bottles of fluid were neatly packed away in eskies of ice, or in some cases portable fridges.

Riders at the starting line. Photo: CrummyMTB

As the riders launched from the start line dedicated support crews huddled beneath 3x3 shades with cool towels and water sprayers, after a short while all eyes and ears were peeled for the first riders to pass close to transition, signalling the start of the crew duties.

We weren't surprised to see BigDog pass by first, but what did surprises us was the gap to the following riders. A quick fix of some bunting and everyone was back on track, four hours is plenty for the leading teams and solos to battle out the difference.

It was that first hour of racing that hit everyone pretty hard, some riders stopped after those first one or two laps, rightly complaining that it was extremely hot. At this stage it was time for a couple of snappy laps after our team mate had been out on that initial lap.

The course was fast but every breath felt like breathing from a furnace, dry baking the back of your throat. Breath less, ride faster. The usual tough but short Yellomundee climbs were offset with rocky flowing descents.

A quick sub forty minute double and we were back at transition to check on our team mate. The conditions were not favourable and it took our team a while to recover and get back out on the trail. It had only cooled off ever so slightly.

Enough time had passed and it seemed like on our second lap we would be out during the "lights-on" period so we quickly fitted our Ay-Ups, gave the bike a once-over and prepared for our next double lap.

Our team mate had made they way around the track, we placed a cooled towel over their shoulders and leapt on our bike. Down the first descent the bike felt stiff, feeling like it was more than a tyre pressure check. It was quickly obvious that our most junior support crew, still in training, had done their own bike check, locking out the fork.

This second double was quicker than the first and it was pretty good to be out during the twilight. The trail was dry and fast, WSMTB had picked a fairly open climbing course, opting the narrow climb of Steve's Descent instead of the parallel firetrail.

Now was crunch time for our team, head out for another lap with the possibility of it turning dark while our team mate was still out there. This would be their first night ride, some encouragement and support from another rider, and they both headed out lights blazing.

Before long our team mate was back, a quick look at the time and we could head out for one more lap. Lights back on our bike and it was out for a casual night lap to wrap-up the 4hr up for our team.

Thanks to WSMTB for putting on a great 4hr event, it was great to see a wide range of teams and solos out on the trail. We had a helpful crew in transition, supporting multiple solos and keeping an eye on us too, cheers.

We'll see you at the next event!

Awesome Awaba and JetBlack MTB Racing Team

All good intensions, train, eat, sleep. Reality, work, sick, sleep. And with this level of preparation we headed into the final round of the RT GP. Initially we were disappointed that the location was moved from Mt Annan, only due to travel convenience. But Awaba, well, what can you say about this trail, a favorite of just about everyones, a trail that encourages flow. You know where we'd rather ride...

Finally a great start with limited hold-ups on the first lap for us. The trail has seen some rain and it was tacky in spots. Unusually we come across team mate, Browny, off the rivet on this initial first lap, we're feeling good and hammer up Camelback Climb (my fastest ever - Strava) but don't see Browny again.

It is on our second lap flyer we drop a water bottle after Camelback on a fast flat section, we silently curse our poor bottle handling and mentally note its location as to pick it up next lap. Thankfully it wasn't to far to transition, and we picked the near empty bottle up on the next lap.

Again it is a race where we are swapping places (for four hours at least) with 7hr team of two, Max and Charlie. Max would warp-speed his SS past us then, on the next lap, we'd come across Charlie as she was having a ball on a sweet section of trail.

We also spent some time with our JetBlack MTB Racing team mates, like Jason Hewitt, a man on a solo endurance mission. Jason has been making his mark at the top end of the 7hr solo for a couple of years. Can't forget our other team champion Dalene Pretorius, again a 7hr solo, who every time we passed her had a big smile.

Back in our race we catch up with Morgs from Shimano and once again we figure we're riding a little fast for our current fitness level. Morgs was going at a good pace so we hung out with him for a couple of laps. It was on the second last time up Camelback after leading Morgs for the lap we knew the pace had been to hot and we motioned to Morgs that this was it for us. 

Transitioning to what would probably be our last lap our team mates passed on info the team mate Kurt, also a 4hr solo rider, who had gotten away from us on the initial laps, was jus 30 seconds ahead. It was tempting to rush into the single track and chase Kurt but we didn't get carried away, catching Kurt in the first quarter of the lap. Kurt looks like he might be hurting, testing him we don't ease up as we pass but Kurt doesn't tag on the back of my wheel.

Reaching Camelback another of our team mates has caught us though, it was one of Browny’s team of 3 partners in crime, Shad. It was going to be a fair effort to climb Camelback and we tell Shad to take the lead, of which he declines. Ouch! No it was more than that it was double ouch this time.

Thankfully from the top of Camelback it seems like the trail is just about all down hill. Shad is yo-yoing off our back wheel as we make the final kilometers back to transition. As we get closer we hear the PA is alive with race updates, seems like the 4hr race has just finished. We have time to zip up our JetBlack MTB Racing jersey and be the first 4hr #rockytrailracer across the line.
It has been a great series in 2016, I've especially enjoyed the company I've been able to keep on trail. There has also been such a diversity of trails too, epic hills of the Glenrock region to the speed of Singleton. With Awaba being the final jewel in the GP Series crown.

Thanks to JetBlack MTB Racing and all our supporters for making this series of events as smooth as it has been. We'll see you at the next event!

Happy Trails at Ourimbah

We were super keen to return to Ourimbah in 2016 for another round of Rocky Trail's Shimano Grand Prix. The 2015 event had seen our good effort rewarded with a No.1 on the podium and I was frothing to do it again.

Being part of the JetBlack MTB Racing team is incredibly motivating and from the start whistle I could see team mates up ahead, team mates I wanted to follow into the single-track. I slipped onto the back wheel of Grant Shaw for the starting portion of trail, Grant was riding in a fast team of three for the 7hr and was a good wheel to follow.

It was incredibly cold, southerly winds had brought snow chilled air to many parts of NSW and Ourimbah it was no exception. Had our Gound Effect jacket on as not to freeze.

Keeping warm. Photo: Outer Image

Grant had worked hard on the initial section of the lap and he eased up over a climb. We took this moment to pass Grant, setting about to catch the next group in front. In this next section of single track we came across an unusual event, all-round shredder Kramer having an issue on a short down-hill section.

It was during the first couple of laps we were surprised to catch a couple of seasoned endurance riders, which gave the inkling someone was riding to hard. But it was so fun to ride at this pace we just pushed on, crossing our fingers it was sustainable for the 4hrs.

On the rivet. Outer Image

Ourimbah is a trail-riders dream, sweeping and short punchy climbs followed by fun rough descents, many of which seem un-proportionally long. It is rocky in sections, loamy in others, Ourimbah is a bonanza of mountain biking goodness.

When team mate Tom Morwood came whooping up behind us, our spirits lifted, just as there was a feeling of some fatigue. A few friendly words really helps out when all focus is on tearing up the trail. The same went for team mate Simon Ballard some time later, except this time all our biscuits were spent and we were about to start digging. It is so hard to see your team ride away at the pace you want to be going.

Working hard to maintain position. Photo: Outer Image

Another successful event run by Rocky Trail, no gripes here, everyone was super polite and there was plenty of rush and two-wheeled drift for an endurance event. We finished 4th, our best GP result this year. Thanks to JetBlack MTB Racing team for the friendly atmosphere, on-trail support and transition expertise. We have awesome sponsors, check them out! The team was well represented across all categories and delivered some top results on the day. You'll see us at the final Grand Prix if not before!

A balance of Stromlo

Returning to Stromlo to race always brings some pre-race nerves, we have been racing at Stromlo since 2007, when we had our first go at a 24hr solo. We were returning this time for round three of Rocky Trail Entertainment's 2016 Grand Prix Series after round one at Glenrock and round two at Singleton.

Nerves were good though, we had sufficient experience to handle any trails and conditions that would be thrown at us. Goals had been set and our energies would be focused on those achievements.

It was super busy in location with not just the GP but a massive junior road event on too. Our JetBlack MTB Racing team were once again in mass attendance excited to get out on the trails.

Thankfully Rocky Trail set a good length starting run before we set into the singletrack on the first lap, we tacked onto the back wheel of one of our youngest team mates, keen to set some fast laps early and knock over some goals. Through the next few laps there was some trading of places as we all settled in to race pace.

We were super happy with the selection of trails, a gradual single track climb into the steeper fire-trail climb, descent into Luge, crossing over to a gradual climb punctuated with technical rock sections. From the top it was pretty much a loose downhill run back to transition. We felt it was a good balance of climbing and descending, we were having fun without to much effort.

With a good start and flowing trail we were ticking our achievements off for this round as we headed into the second half of the four hours. We have been very happy with the change to XT 11 speed this year, set to a 30t Hope N/W cog we've got the perfect ratio for style of events we are riding at the moment.

There was some surprise when we found ourselves on the back wheel of a leading 7hr solo JetBlack rider, Jason. Our other 4hr team mates, Tim and Kurt, had dropped back some. It was a good feeling knowing in this instance we were back with this sort of pace.

Turns out the 30-39 category was the most competitive again in the 4hr, with the likes of Jason English, Dillon Cooper and Andy Blair taking the top three spots. Very happy to place 6th to those guys.

Great work by Rocky Trail Entertainment, delivering a versatile course. Thanks to JetBlack MTB Racing team for the friendly atmosphere, on-trail support and transition expertise. The team was well represented across all categories and delivered some top results too. You'll see us at the next Grand Prix if not before!

A magic corner, Singleton.

Photo by Cat Sturrock

Singleton is well know for it's mining industry, but what is less known about is the 10km of corners sweeping the hillside just outside of town. These corners were host to the second round of Rocky Trail's Shimano Grand Prix and all the #RockyTrailRacers were in for a treat.

Look ma, one hand. Photo by Cat Sturrock

Once the starting whistle was blown we shot down a short open paddock onto the course and into the singletrack. The singletrack swept its way, corner after corner, through the sparse bush landscape. With no major hill and hardly a climb all you wanted to do was ride it faster, connecting corner to corner.

After some conga-line antics during the first lap we found some space, opened the throttle and it was super fun. From there we caught up to a reliable character, Jamie Vogele, who was back on the bike after WEMBO NZ. We had a couple of consistent laps and were joined by Elvio Fernandes.

Elvio tightly hugs a CrummyMTB wheel. Photo by Cat Sturrock

We made a break from Jamie at the crest midway through the course and make a fast winding descent. Some time after this something started to feel wrong and there wasn't much power through our left leg. Elvio seemed to sprint away and there just didn't seem like much could be done about it. Then it felt worse, around the hip. Quick mental calculations still put the finish two laps away.

Rollovers were the obstacles of the day. Photo by Cat Sturrock

Thankfully the course was relatively flat and momentum could be maintained, we knuckled down and pushed through the remaining laps. Jamie eventually caught us again and we passed through transition with one minute to the cutoff. There aren't many times we don't go back out in this situation but with the discomfort of the last hour or so we made the choice to concede a placing or two. 

Awesome trails crafted by the Singleton mountain biking crew, just off the highway the trails worth a look with the whole family.

Massive thanks to JetBlack MTB Racing team, their support makes my ride.  The team sponsors, particularly JetBlack Products and Lifestyle and Leisure. Ascent Cycling Enterprises continue to keep my custom built wheels in top shape.

Toasted with Glenrock Flow and Fire-trail.

Race Start. Photo: OuterImage

It was with much excitement that we were going to Newcastle to ride the Glenrock trails. These trails are synonymous for flow and its beachside setting, and we were yet to experience this location.

Conga line fun. Photo: CrummyMTB

Spot of the day, views of the ocean and a slight sea breeze.

The Rocky Trail road-show was in town for the first round of the Grand Prix, there was fireworks and a carnival-like atmosphere on the street on Friday night. We had a sneak peek during the evening at the rider list, spotting plenty of familiar names; our age group was heavy with fast-hitters.

We arrived at the race transition area early, a large crowd was expected with the event being booked solid. A quick reccy confirmed some of Glenrock’s flow but there was some apprehension at the sight of a couple of the firetrails.

A few laps in and the conga-line of riders had started to thin out; we were able sit in a more comfortable general position within the race. This was gauged by reaching the back wheel of some close competitors from last year.

There were massive amounts of time to be made on the climbs if you were willing to put in the extra effort. Some of the climbs were so steep though they had us gnashing on our bar and popping wheelies. The extra big ring by converting to 11spd last month saw plenty of use.

When we weren’t firetrail climbing the Glenrock trail was mostly narrow singletrack, much of this was the well spoken about flow, winding its way through the lush coastal greenery. It was fast, dry and increasingly dusty. There were sections that had technical challenges with some great fast lines if you could get a clear unheeded run at them. Dial in the #Enduro rider within.

Massive thanks to JetBlack MTB Racing team, their support makes my ride.  The team sponsors, particularly JetBlack Products and Lifestyle and Leisure. Special mention to the Reynolds’, who handled most of my bottles for the day. Ascent Cycling Enterprises continue to keep my custom built wheels in top shape.

WSMTB CX Round 1

A super fast launch for Open Bike to chase B Grade. Photo: Reynolds

WSMTB launch into the CX scene with Round 1 of their 2015 series held at the International Regatta Centre, Penrith. There was fun racing for the kids, then B Grade CX and Open Bike (mountain bike) which we competed in, followed by A Grade. It was a busy weekend for CX in Sydney with a "double-header", MWCC CX on Saturday and then WSMTB's CX on the Sunday. Plenty of room for more cowbell!

It takes a fair bit of work to pass through the twisty section of course. Photo: Reynolds

The course was basically around one of the small lakes followed by some corners, hurdles and mud. At 35mins of racing for Opens and B Grade you can ride on the limit for the whole time, in this instance it was about 10mins a lap for the front runners.

One of the mud pits. Photo: Reynolds

As our first real foray into CX we were pleased with our result, claiming a top 3 spot after a punishing 40mins of threshold HR. We rode our Pivot 429 Alloy, which was way to much bike but fun all the same. Setup remained standard for XC and endurance events, we might pick another bike for next time.
Fuel was provided by High5 Energy Source in the hour before the event.
See you at the next event!

Winter's Edge XC, Evocities MTB Series

CrummyMTB sandwiched between the SS crew. Photo: Fairfax Media

 Looking up the hill from the transition area, just outside Bathurst town centre, you could see plenty of thought had been put into etching out the trails. But what resounded immediately after the splendid trail wonder was the cold, cutting through layers of warm clothing like a knife.

Out on trail, the course flowed, many of the ascents followed the contour lines effortlessly. It was complemented with plenty of pay-off in rollers and berms that would see you smiling through to the limited grinds.

There were risks. A few jumps, a rock garden and man-made obstacles that certainly kept your mind sharp, the rewards were hardly a few seconds but if strung together could add up over time.

Race started well and there was a bit of time spent pacing with David Speering from Canberra. There were three of us at the time, as the photo above depicts, David on the front, Steve from the Blue Mountains on the back, both making it look easy on SS.

On the third and fourth lap, now having sussed out the general lines available the trio broke apart as we made the most of the top descent and our other favourite bits of trail. It was probably the next major climb Steve returned to my wheel and we rode together, having a blast on the fun trail.

At 2.5hrs in to the 4hr event it all started to slide a little, the grinding climbs seemed to get steeper as power faded from our legs. We had to let Steve go, there just wasn't the same on-trail pace.

On our final lap for our race we were dropping time rapidly and the cold was cutting through our body painfully. It seems we had spent our energy early and also in trying to keep warm. An unfortunate winter reminder.

Bathurst mountain bike trail, super fun and conveniently located. The Winter's Edge event a great addition to the Evocities Series.

Thanks to the JetBlack MTB Racing team and all our sponsors for their support. For this outing we rode our Pivot 429 Alloy in a (32t) 1x10 setup, X-Fusion Trace by DIY MTB working superbly. Smith Custom built wheels with the test Michelin Wild Race'r tyre on the back and Nobbly Nic on the front.

Catch you all next race! 

Race Results here.

Jamie Vogele's Blog.

Jason English's Blog.

There was plenty of fun descending to be had on this newly built trail. Photo: Fairfax Media

Wylde STM/Evocities Round

After WSMTB held the first ever mountain bike event at Wylde there was much anticipation of the second event. This second event would be the STM Round by Chocolate Foot, which also made part of the Evocities Series, drawing riders from as far as Port Mcquarie, Dubbo and Canberra.

Wylde last year at a trail ride day. Photo: CrummyMTB

We were surprised to see a whole bunch of fast names in the 4hr categories considering there was the lure of cash up for grabs in the 7hr. This included Giant rider Jon Odams, who lead the first lap and put pressure on the fast riders to keep up.

Start to the event with Jon Odams leading it out. Photo: CrummyMTB

A little further back we were ticking along and keeping en eye on our competitors through the winding trail. You could see the 30 second and minute gap riders ahead and behind, it was nice to slowly reel those who had a faster first lap over the remaining three and a half hours of racing.

Back a little further we kick off our race.

Were pretty happy to see we had reach a top 5 position within the category on viewing the results. Especially considering the strength of competition on the day, and the fact the weather didn't make as big impression as the WSMTB 4hr round.

Thanks to the JetBlack MTB Racing team and all our sponsors for their ongoing support. For this outing at Wylde we rode our Pivot 429 in a 1x10 setup with X-Fusion forks by DIY MTB. 

Catch you all next race! 

Team mate Phil Welch's blog.

Results from the event.

Video courtesy of Chocolate Foot.

Shimano Grand Prix - James Estate

A race in the Upper Hunter Valley is a good reason to spend the weekend in the picturesque region. Hosts to the event James Estate Wines not only pack a mountain bikers wine but a whole bunch of mountain bike friendly trails. Add a touch of Rocky Trail Entertainment enthusiasm and you have Round 1 of the fast and furious Shimano Grand Prix.

Rolling into James Estate the skies are clear, the tunes are pumping and by all reports are the trails are dry. There are a good couple of hundred riders in attendance from all over NSW and the ACT, plenty of team kits of fast riders and a whole bunch of first-timers keen for action.

The start. Photo: CrummyMTB

Always after improvement from our last race we negotiate our way to the front row, it is eight riders wide but there is a good drag up the farm road. This positions us within the first groups into the singletrack, getting a smooth roll through the narrow trails and a good look at the trail modifications. With no serious climbs there is plenty of fun to be had.

Over the first few hours we are in a good position, chasing hard but riding with experienced competitors, making it seem easy. The trail is mostly smooth and has some cool berms, just punctuated on the higher ground with with rocky features.

Simon Ballard follows Jason Morgan and CrummyMTB early on. Photo: CrummyMTB

Every time we pass through transition SBS's Mike Tomalarsis is on the mike, dishing out lap times and category positions. A quick bottle swap and then it is out onto the farm trail for the slight climb to the singletrack.

In the second half of our fast 4hrs it is deceivingly dry and warm and we unknowingly make an error in our nutrition consumption, this bites us a few laps later. Some of our competitors are slowly gaining time on the trail, we remind ourselves to relax and keep consistent. Then it happens, our quads start to cramp, we catch it and change body position. Minutes later both calves begin to cramp with just a few laps to completion.

The tables turned within the age group, Shane Taylor slipping outside the top 3. Photo: CrummyMTB

It was with great relief we headed out for the final lap. We couldn't match the speed of 40-49 competitor Scott Penzarella, who shot off up the trail at hour 1 speed, it had though been a good dual till that point. The last section of trail featured cow-trail, thankfully without the pats and a short punch up to transition. Turns out we had slipped into a top 3 position for our age group, a nice result for the first round of the Rocky Trail GP Series.

Thanks to the JetBlack MTB Racing team and all our sponsors for their support. We will be riding under the JetBlack/Lifestyle & Leisure banner all series. For this outing we rode our On-One Inbred in a 3x9 (modified 10spd clutch mech) setup, X-Fusion Slide by DIY MTB working superbly. 

Catch you all next race! 

Official Results here. Outer Image photos here. Team-mates Phil Welch and Jason Hewitt's blogs. 

WSMTB Summer Series at Wylde

It had been a while in the making, with plenty of work by WSMTB and those involved in the making of Western Sydney Parkland’s Wylde MTB Trail. After Round 1 was cancelled, so many riders had been crossing their fingers to get a chance to race the first Wylde event with WSMTB and finally it was here.

Mass rego line, everyone wanting to race Wylde. Photo: Steve Billington

There was some trepidation as the patchy morning sky gradually turned grey and almost on the queue of race start it began raining. A thirty-minute delay was called, the rain cloud passed and mud splatter was guaranteed.

JetBlack MTB Racing team excited in preperation. Photo: CrummyMTB

On race start we had lined up a little further back than we should have and consequently had to put up with a bit of conga-line traffic during the first lap. While out in front and settling a pace only some team riders could manage (Jason English-esque), was teammate Andrew Finlayson.

JetBlack MTB Racing's Andrew Finlayson leads the race. Photo: CrummyMTB

We had made the right choice to ride our Pivot 429 shod with Nobbly Nics and a Michelin Wild Race’r (review tyre) from race start. The huge widely spaced knobs on the Nic were near perfect in the wet conditions and we were able to use that control to our advantage, getting within sight of our competitors by the end of lap 1.

No caption needed. Photo: Scott Reynolds

There were many mishaps, even out on Lap 2, as the trail began to slowly change but it was still very slippery in sections. The Blue Mountains duo of Ian Anderson (fast-man from last weeks Ginja Ninja 250) and Steve Tomczyk (who also pipping us by a couple of minutes last week too) went down on the trail spectacularly in front of us, sliding sideways with their bikes like pancakes along the trail. We lost our numberplate shortly after as it was heavy with mud and we had to run back along the sodden trail to find it.

Making the most of the fast conditions. Photo: Scott Reynolds

The Pivot was having some shifting issues due to ingress of mud to the segmented wire outer (a full-length outer will be the next upgrade) and now a couple of laps in the trail was definatly drying out and getting faster. Time for a bike swap, to the cleaner, leaner, orange On One Inbred.

Now it was just settling into the pain of Wylde's short pinch climbs, which we think was the cause of some back discomfort many riders were experiencing. We had plenty of riders around us to ride with particularly Steve Billington from Quantum Racing. We were often in formation as a little pair zipping along the trails, keeping it relaxed and making it easy to for multiple riders flowing in a passing situations. We were making good time and slowly pulling back any fast XC riders out in front, both solos and teams.

Riding side by side for most of the 4hrs Steve Billington and author. Photo: Steve Billington

Getting the nutrition right was a big part of the day (could be a whole blog in its self) and we had purposely consumed a gel mid Lap 6 in prep for Lap 7, we wanted to ensure Steve had no answer for what our intentions were. Within the first 3km we could see that there was a neat gap between us, but we didn't turn the screws down till the second half of the lap, scream through the final sections making every double and railing every berm.

Solo male podium, L-R, Michael Crummy 2nd, Andrew Finlayson 1st. Not present Steve Billinton 3rd.
Photo: Scott Reynolds

Unbeknownst to most out on the trail the timing computer spat the dummy and the WSMTB timing crew had been working feverishly to pull results together. There was some anticipation at presentations as the top three team and solo riders were announced in each category, and it was a great surprise to hear Steve Billington announced as third place and that we had placed second to teammate Andrew Finlayson.

Massive shout to WSMTB and all the team behind pulling the Summer Series together. Bikeminded and our other LBS for supporting each round. Stans NoTubes and JetBlack for their support of the Series. Our team JetBlack MTB Racing for great camaraderie, and all our sponsors in which we ride for. Another top event and stoked to race Wylde for its first time!