Dirt Crits Senior Race 5 Report 9 Nov
Tonight the riders arrived at Dirt Crits for the ‘Mystery Event’, which was a long-course event. This utilises the front and back side of Rifle Butts mountain bike park. The back side is rarely used for Dirt Crits and this course provides the opportunity for a longer race format. It also includes some more technical rocky sections for the riders to master.
It was a quieter night in terms of entries, with 13 riders being sent off in a handicap format. Most riders rode 2 laps but the lucky ones rode 3 laps! The handicapper had a bit of a task trying to sort out the riders, to hopefully ensure that there was a close finish.
Harry Retief, who has had a break from Dirt Crits, was a bit of an unknown quantity, and as a result slipped under the handicappers guard to post an impressive win by almost a minute from Alex Green and in third place was Brett Stevens. Great riding Harry! Jem Davies crossed the line 7 seconds in front of Will Grundy, with a fast finishing David Bock 8 seconds further back. Adam Baker continues to improve and took out 7th place, followed by David Jagger 30 seconds behind. Then came the first of the 3-lappers with Dan Friday in 9th, Trevor Arnold (2 laps and missing a bit of bark here and there) 10th, Damian Grundy 11th, Matthew Empey 12th (moving up to the 3-lap group, and looking strong at the finish. BTW Kate, I don’t think you’ll be getting your bike back anytime soon!) and Anthony Plummer in 13th, having a recovery ride after competing in the Buxton Bootcamp event the previous day.
From the feedback received after the race many of the riders enjoyed the longer format and the variety of the terrain.
Thanks to Dave Empey for timing the event.
Delatite Dash
Next Monday 16 November is the Delatite Dash starting from Carters Road and finishing at Mirimbah.
Kate Empey will be running the Junior Dirt Critters at Rifle Butts Mountain Bike Park, as usual. Juniors are welcome to race with seniors if they can out to Carters Road.
Registration for the Delatite Dash will be held at Carters Road at 5:30pm for a 6:00pm start. We will plan on having two timed runs of the sections from Carters Rd to Mirimbah, time permitting.
You are most welcome to bring along a BBQ and have dinner at Mirimbah after the race.
Junior Dirt Crits Race Report, 19 Oct, 26 Oct & 9 Nov.
Hi All,
Just an update about Junior Dirt Crits.
The last three weeks has seen some great improvements as riders have got back on their bikes post the Winter break. The course has been so dusty it is hard to believe it isn't summer already!
Monday Oct 19th was taken by Damian Grundy. A real treat for the juniors to have an ex-Australian coach taking them and saw the return of the handicap race.
The following week was handicapped again with some surprises in the younger riders getting stronger. The time difference between the riders has reduced significantly with all riders showing considerable improvements in speed and ability.
Monday 9 Nov was time to refresh the riders on the importance of passing safely. Riders rode the small circle practising communicating with the rider in front and indicating if they were going to pass on the left or right. Yes a bit boring but important. This was followed by some fast laps where the order reversed on the second lap encouraging all riders to ride their fastest. The group was split in two to make it easier to run. There was then time for one timed fast lap for those riders still wanting more.
Riders are reminded to bring water bottles along to Dirt Crits.
Next week, 16 Nov we will continue at Rifle Butts. Juniors are welcome to race with seniors out at Carters Road if they can get out there.
Cheers, Kate.
Alain's Ride - 12 months on.
Don't forget that tonight (Thursday 12 Nov) is Alain's Ride. After the Alain Guerin Memorial Handicap finishes on Graves Road at about 6.45, everyone is welcome to join us for a gentle ride along the Buller Road, then back to the Delatite for race presentations and to remember our friend Alain.