Ingkerreke Commercial Stage 3
Later after Subway Mt Gillan Stage 2 the competitors in the Ingkerreke Commercial MTB Enduro, their friends, family and other spectators gathered on the slope Anzac Hill close to the centre of Alice Springs. It was time to put the foot to the floor in the ultimate test of power, time trial hill climb. It was simple, get to the top using the same frame and fork you had been utilising throughout the race. The distance was a mere three hundred meters so I walked the incline prior to the start of the event. Turns out the further you rose the more the gradient became, it flattened off briefly (a car-park) then in a small sweep rose the final four meters to reach the summit.
There is not much I remember after the count down and go. I knew I had to put in max effort for a good time as a rider before me had clocked an early fifty second run and others were close to the minute mark. The moment I do remember is hitting the final pitch up before the car-park and struggling to turn the wheels over, then an instant later gasping for breath after crossing the finish line, my heart almost bursting from my chest. Once capable of breathing again I headed down the hill and was in owe of the crowd that lined the bitumen road, there were cowbells, shouts of encouragement and cheers for all the riders. There was real spirit on Anzac Hill of our hill climb effort.
Turns out I managed a fifty eight second climb and it immediately put me the top three times so far. But it wasn't long before seconds were being carved off my time with a row of fifty sevens and fifty fives. Of course there was plenty of anticipation for those final top ten riders with plenty of cross country pedigree among the riders. So it was that junior rider Ryan Standish out sprinted Aiden Lefmann who was then followed by Andrew Blair. Anna Beck climbed the fastest in the Open female division but was closely
followed by Anna Antrecht and Jess Douglas.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Ingkerreke Commercial MTB Enduro
A full rack of bikes for the MTB Enduro, around 200 riders, many which have traveled from around Australia and the globe have made Alice Springs home for the week.
Late on Sunday afternoon race organisers brief riders, their family and friends on some of the nitty gritty for the seven stages of racing.Ingkerreke Commercial MTB Enduro
Subway Mt Gillan Stage 2
A shorter course than day one Stage 2 began with a rolling start under Police escort through the streets of Alice Springs. An unforgettably dusty dirt track caught a few riders out early then it was onto the rocky railway access track that undulated beside the rail line. At this point you could cast an eye across the tracks and see fellow competitors tackle similar terrain as the course did a u-turn across the rail line. It eventually turned to single track and the trail wound its self over and around the natural obstacles that litter the countryside in this area. Many of the smoother trails we rode are recent additions and were an absolute blast to ride, easily connecting sections as to maintain momentum and flow.
Before I knew it we had hit the water point and linked right back into more fun trails. Gradually winding around the spectacular terrain we were to head back towards the rail line but not before a pump section which could be used to accelerate across what did originally look to be a long grassed flat. Then it was back over the train tracks, cyclocross style, and on to attack the sharpest hill for the day. Over the top and down some 4wd trail you could sprint into the velodrome for a famous one-day-classic style finish.
At the front in Subway Mt Gillan Stage 2
By all accounts the only one rider that managed to ride over the top of that last climb did so to open a gap from the lead group and maintained the time to take the stage win. Andrew Blair took the stage line honors some twenty seconds in front of Jason English, just a short time later Aiden Lefmann crossed the line and rounded out the podium.
Anna Beck had a target on her back for stage 2 after taking the win on day one. A small incident early in the race saw Anna crash in the dust but she was back up almost instantly. Problems may have plagued the rest of Anna's ride due to the early incident and Jess Douglas crossed the line first shortly before Anna. Looks to be some serious competition in the woman's field.
A shorter course than day one Stage 2 began with a rolling start under Police escort through the streets of Alice Springs. An unforgettably dusty dirt track caught a few riders out early then it was onto the rocky railway access track that undulated beside the rail line. At this point you could cast an eye across the tracks and see fellow competitors tackle similar terrain as the course did a u-turn across the rail line. It eventually turned to single track and the trail wound its self over and around the natural obstacles that litter the countryside in this area. Many of the smoother trails we rode are recent additions and were an absolute blast to ride, easily connecting sections as to maintain momentum and flow.
Before I knew it we had hit the water point and linked right back into more fun trails. Gradually winding around the spectacular terrain we were to head back towards the rail line but not before a pump section which could be used to accelerate across what did originally look to be a long grassed flat. Then it was back over the train tracks, cyclocross style, and on to attack the sharpest hill for the day. Over the top and down some 4wd trail you could sprint into the velodrome for a famous one-day-classic style finish.
At the front in Subway Mt Gillan Stage 2
By all accounts the only one rider that managed to ride over the top of that last climb did so to open a gap from the lead group and maintained the time to take the stage win. Andrew Blair took the stage line honors some twenty seconds in front of Jason English, just a short time later Aiden Lefmann crossed the line and rounded out the podium.
Anna Beck had a target on her back for stage 2 after taking the win on day one. A small incident early in the race saw Anna crash in the dust but she was back up almost instantly. Problems may have plagued the rest of Anna's ride due to the early incident and Jess Douglas crossed the line first shortly before Anna. Looks to be some serious competition in the woman's field.
Ingkerreke Commercial MTB Enduro
Lasseters Hotel Casino Stage 1
Traditionally Stage 3 but for 2011 this course has moved to Stage 1, the initiation track. Covering approximately 50km we were to start out at Telegraph Station Historical Reserve which was a short ride out of Alice Springs along the Todd River Walking Trail. Close to two hundred riders raced along Herbert Heritage Drive, then onto some open slightly sandy 4wd trail. The pressure was on early and by the time we hit the Stuart Highway, thanks to the local constabulary for controlling any traffic the lead group had opened a gap and were making their way along the next 4wd section and heading for the undulating hills.
A couple of soft sandy adventures (where were my cyclocross skills?), a locked gate (more skills) and we were on almost a continuous single track. The undulations on the north side of Alice Springs with their great views could only be a brief distraction from the flowing and often fast trails. I some sections rocks gave way to gravel then you would end up two inches deep in sand, fighting to control you line.
After plenty of rocky sections and a few technical climbs the single track turned to 4wd trail and we raced along the flatter sections close to town to the halfway mark and water point. With a fresh bottle in the cage and excited by the fact there was more fun to be had I kicked into the second half of the course with renewed vigor. More sweet single track out, we eventually turned and made our way back to Alice. I felt like I had made up a dozen places with the wind on my back, I kept a keen eye out for the key final landmarks, the golf course, the footpath then ultimately Lasseters Hotel Casino. Screaming along the footpath I had the Yeti maxed out and was putting my mountain bike time trial techniques to good use. Crossing the line just outside the top twenty for Open Mens I was happy to have had ridden some sweet trails and make up time in the back end of the course. This was just day one and with six more events to come it is looking to be a great week of riding at the Ingkerreke Commercial MTB Enduro.
How the pointy end finished Lasseters Hotel Casino Stage 1
Jason English worked hard throughout the course to stay with the lead riders and was forced to start the sprint for the finish, luck was on his side as he weaved through the Casino carpark leading Andrew Blair and Aiden Lefmann, who crossed the line together for second place. Around two hours and thirteen minutes for the leading trio.
Anna Beck virtually lead the female field from the gun, on a 29er hard-tail Anna made light work of the rough rock sections and has a two and a half minute lead on 24hr World Champion Jessica Douglas. Jo Wall crossed the line some five minutes after Jess to take third place.
Traditionally Stage 3 but for 2011 this course has moved to Stage 1, the initiation track. Covering approximately 50km we were to start out at Telegraph Station Historical Reserve which was a short ride out of Alice Springs along the Todd River Walking Trail. Close to two hundred riders raced along Herbert Heritage Drive, then onto some open slightly sandy 4wd trail. The pressure was on early and by the time we hit the Stuart Highway, thanks to the local constabulary for controlling any traffic the lead group had opened a gap and were making their way along the next 4wd section and heading for the undulating hills.
A couple of soft sandy adventures (where were my cyclocross skills?), a locked gate (more skills) and we were on almost a continuous single track. The undulations on the north side of Alice Springs with their great views could only be a brief distraction from the flowing and often fast trails. I some sections rocks gave way to gravel then you would end up two inches deep in sand, fighting to control you line.
After plenty of rocky sections and a few technical climbs the single track turned to 4wd trail and we raced along the flatter sections close to town to the halfway mark and water point. With a fresh bottle in the cage and excited by the fact there was more fun to be had I kicked into the second half of the course with renewed vigor. More sweet single track out, we eventually turned and made our way back to Alice. I felt like I had made up a dozen places with the wind on my back, I kept a keen eye out for the key final landmarks, the golf course, the footpath then ultimately Lasseters Hotel Casino. Screaming along the footpath I had the Yeti maxed out and was putting my mountain bike time trial techniques to good use. Crossing the line just outside the top twenty for Open Mens I was happy to have had ridden some sweet trails and make up time in the back end of the course. This was just day one and with six more events to come it is looking to be a great week of riding at the Ingkerreke Commercial MTB Enduro.
How the pointy end finished Lasseters Hotel Casino Stage 1
Jason English worked hard throughout the course to stay with the lead riders and was forced to start the sprint for the finish, luck was on his side as he weaved through the Casino carpark leading Andrew Blair and Aiden Lefmann, who crossed the line together for second place. Around two hours and thirteen minutes for the leading trio.
Anna Beck virtually lead the female field from the gun, on a 29er hard-tail Anna made light work of the rough rock sections and has a two and a half minute lead on 24hr World Champion Jessica Douglas. Jo Wall crossed the line some five minutes after Jess to take third place.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
St Albans Classic!
Lead up to the Classic was terrible and training a disaster, with some days relegated to the gym, a spin bike, just to clock up a few hit-outs. The weather was the cause, probably on the for front of many a registered rider for the annual escarpment climbs which makes this event unique from the other 100km races. I could already see it, the sapping clay and laying water.
After considering the possible conditions we were about to face I set three goals with the first one being, finish the race. It sounds simple but the circumstances under which I had to complete my first goal included riding all the climbs, bar the couple of technical rocky step-ups between the 50km mark and the main decent to the canoe bridge. First of all and one of the most daunting obstacles is the initial climb up onto the escarpment. I remember speaking with a 50km rider last year as he was about to complete his first 50km Classic after two attempts, his first attempt finished at that initial climb and he rode back to St Albans along the road. But it is a major challenge, riders all around me peeled of to the sides, pushing their bikes up the hill in front of them, this was the first wave after the Elites. I can only imagine the torture it would have been for the back end of the 50kers as the hill was torn apart by studded MTB shoes. I reached the summit, elated and already exhausted, I rode the first climb, then I pushed the thoughts of the remainder from my mind.
Usually my other goal when it comes to MTBing is fun but this time it was the S word, safely. Due to the conditions safely had risen up the list. It only reminded me of things to come when I heard a helicopter some where between the 25 and 50km, along the wet and twisty sections, rounding pools of water, my eyes peeled for rocks and sodden branches. Keep it smooth, keep it safe. Passing the 50km mark I felt alright, I rode straight through, opting to swap bottles and replenish food from my camelbak on the wide dirt road climb out. Further along I came across a rider discussing the best way back to St Albans with RFS volunteers, he crashed a couple of times and wanted to calling it a day. Unfortunately we were near the convict trail and I wonder whether the RFS boys were able to convince the rider to continue down the spectacular descent to the canoe crossing or he went down the fire trail and back to the road. It was through this section I tried to curb my own enthusiasm as the fun of the rocky decline and drops took a hold of me. Small mistakes are made and I have to slow to find the most suitable line, don't take to many risks I remind myself. Then as I head down the final section before the road and canoe bridge the tree canopy closes in throwing me into near darkness, I'm off the line in an instant and over the bars, luckily landing softly. That was a bit close, but on the most technical part of the trail. I looked forward to the safety of the open trail of the final 30km.
When it comes to riding a set trail it is nice to achieve a better time when ever you get to ride it and the Classic is no different. My final goal was a PB. I was now riding with a small bunch of guys on 29ers we had passed the 80km mark, things were starting to feel pretty sweet with 20 odd kilometers to go. It was sweet on the down hills, then we would curse every twisted climb back up again. There was a brief time check and acknowledgment that we were working towards a five hour finish. I may have made a “last one to the bottom of the hill is a rotten egg” comment to spur us on as we finally made it to the top before the crazy water-bar littered fire trail decline. We jubilantly make it out onto the road in one piece and settled in for the final dirt road sections and small creek crossing. Sitting in behind my friendly 29er rider, I was preparing myself to put down 100% for the final section of road with that small climb which would be quashed in half a dozen pedal strokes. When I was handed an unexpected card, BAM! 29er offered assistance but I told him to ride on as I slowed the bike. Leaping off the bike I flipped it on the side of the road and in one smooth motion removed the rear wheel, pressed back the beads and separated the tyre from the rim. It sure was a strange place to have a flat or puncture, I agree wholeheartedly. It wasn’t going to be that simple, what I had in my hands was a blown sidewall and associated unfortunate tube. The hole was bigger than a simple Hammer gel packet repair, the alternative a proper tube patch repair on the tyre plus additional strengthening. After repairing the tyre, being handed a second card from fate and dealing with that problem I finally found myself squirreling on two wheels through the sand and across the creek many minutes after my previous PB.
The St Albans Classic, with the crew from MAX Adventure at the helm, the dedicated volunteers at their various stations, the RFS both in town and out on the trail, live music at the Pub, coffee and food, makes for a great atmosphere both prior and post race. It is quite easy to see why the event sells out in a couple of days and people travel the distances they do to camp down by the river and make a full weekend of it. Even though the conditions were testing, the morning mist cleared to a fine sunny day, the views from the escarpment are always stunning if you can manage to grab a glimpse. The Classic ensures to test riders and their bikes, but once over the finish line, a beer thrust into my hand the sapping clay and laying water was promptly forgotten.
After considering the possible conditions we were about to face I set three goals with the first one being, finish the race. It sounds simple but the circumstances under which I had to complete my first goal included riding all the climbs, bar the couple of technical rocky step-ups between the 50km mark and the main decent to the canoe bridge. First of all and one of the most daunting obstacles is the initial climb up onto the escarpment. I remember speaking with a 50km rider last year as he was about to complete his first 50km Classic after two attempts, his first attempt finished at that initial climb and he rode back to St Albans along the road. But it is a major challenge, riders all around me peeled of to the sides, pushing their bikes up the hill in front of them, this was the first wave after the Elites. I can only imagine the torture it would have been for the back end of the 50kers as the hill was torn apart by studded MTB shoes. I reached the summit, elated and already exhausted, I rode the first climb, then I pushed the thoughts of the remainder from my mind.
Usually my other goal when it comes to MTBing is fun but this time it was the S word, safely. Due to the conditions safely had risen up the list. It only reminded me of things to come when I heard a helicopter some where between the 25 and 50km, along the wet and twisty sections, rounding pools of water, my eyes peeled for rocks and sodden branches. Keep it smooth, keep it safe. Passing the 50km mark I felt alright, I rode straight through, opting to swap bottles and replenish food from my camelbak on the wide dirt road climb out. Further along I came across a rider discussing the best way back to St Albans with RFS volunteers, he crashed a couple of times and wanted to calling it a day. Unfortunately we were near the convict trail and I wonder whether the RFS boys were able to convince the rider to continue down the spectacular descent to the canoe crossing or he went down the fire trail and back to the road. It was through this section I tried to curb my own enthusiasm as the fun of the rocky decline and drops took a hold of me. Small mistakes are made and I have to slow to find the most suitable line, don't take to many risks I remind myself. Then as I head down the final section before the road and canoe bridge the tree canopy closes in throwing me into near darkness, I'm off the line in an instant and over the bars, luckily landing softly. That was a bit close, but on the most technical part of the trail. I looked forward to the safety of the open trail of the final 30km.
When it comes to riding a set trail it is nice to achieve a better time when ever you get to ride it and the Classic is no different. My final goal was a PB. I was now riding with a small bunch of guys on 29ers we had passed the 80km mark, things were starting to feel pretty sweet with 20 odd kilometers to go. It was sweet on the down hills, then we would curse every twisted climb back up again. There was a brief time check and acknowledgment that we were working towards a five hour finish. I may have made a “last one to the bottom of the hill is a rotten egg” comment to spur us on as we finally made it to the top before the crazy water-bar littered fire trail decline. We jubilantly make it out onto the road in one piece and settled in for the final dirt road sections and small creek crossing. Sitting in behind my friendly 29er rider, I was preparing myself to put down 100% for the final section of road with that small climb which would be quashed in half a dozen pedal strokes. When I was handed an unexpected card, BAM! 29er offered assistance but I told him to ride on as I slowed the bike. Leaping off the bike I flipped it on the side of the road and in one smooth motion removed the rear wheel, pressed back the beads and separated the tyre from the rim. It sure was a strange place to have a flat or puncture, I agree wholeheartedly. It wasn’t going to be that simple, what I had in my hands was a blown sidewall and associated unfortunate tube. The hole was bigger than a simple Hammer gel packet repair, the alternative a proper tube patch repair on the tyre plus additional strengthening. After repairing the tyre, being handed a second card from fate and dealing with that problem I finally found myself squirreling on two wheels through the sand and across the creek many minutes after my previous PB.
The St Albans Classic, with the crew from MAX Adventure at the helm, the dedicated volunteers at their various stations, the RFS both in town and out on the trail, live music at the Pub, coffee and food, makes for a great atmosphere both prior and post race. It is quite easy to see why the event sells out in a couple of days and people travel the distances they do to camp down by the river and make a full weekend of it. Even though the conditions were testing, the morning mist cleared to a fine sunny day, the views from the escarpment are always stunning if you can manage to grab a glimpse. The Classic ensures to test riders and their bikes, but once over the finish line, a beer thrust into my hand the sapping clay and laying water was promptly forgotten.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)