We had about 36 entries and several of those were groups. Very good for a winter event considering many of the top MTBO people were in Australia and there was a mountain biking event on in Tokoroa.
The “Kids Kourse” was completed by two groups. And those little ones did really well because the downhill through the bush must have been tricky with those little wheels.
“The Sunday Ride” (10km 10 entries) was very muddy by the time I picked up the controls. I think some of our younger riders must have gone through all the puddles. But the Girls beat the Boys in the 11 year old category even after Sylvia took her friend Rebecca on a few scenic detours. And Ian Sinclair correctly picked up the missing clearing. How many of you found the track direct to control 7 and how many rode straight past because you were having too much fun on that muddy downhill?
“Fabulous Fun” 24km had the most entries (18), I thought a would get a few more rude comments about my course setting after putting control 1 halfway down some steps and making everyone ride most of the way up Morangi. But the exhilaration of the downhills must have erased that from their memories. A few people made some bad route choices and ended up walking up a great downhill between 7 and 8. We are still not sure what the quickest way between 8 and 9 is? Was it quicker to ride out to the main road or to walk up to the ridge? I was glad to see no one beat the course setter's time of 113min and that some of the mountain bikers managed to ride it faster than Mark ran it.
Six people admitted to being “A Little Insane” (37km) and all completed the course which involved riding up Morangi from both sides. One was on a single speed made from an old ten-speed with no suspension, which just goes to show you don’t need any fancy gear just drag out that old ten-speed and take off all the bits you don’t need. I have to admit I didn’t complete this course when I tried to ride it, I went home after control 12 (3 hours!) I’ll have to do some more training so I can ride my own courses.
Results have been loaded. See you all at the next event. Kent.