The last uncomplicated Gravity Enduro for a while

By Bruce Halket

Fourteen keen mountain bikers were on the start line at Rifle Butts Reserve for the second Gravity round of the summer Dirt Crits series.

Winner of both Dirt Crits rounds so far this season (and the road race last week too!) Ryder Chadd looked the likely favourite. But Spencer Carmen kept him honest, finishing only 27 seconds down overall.

Rounding out the extended podium was cross-country racer turning downhill threat Ben Ross, Dirt Critters Meister Luke Vivash (still got the kids covered… for the moment) and Mansfield’s latest successful trail builder, Blake Riley.

And a shout out to Jess who didn’t start the second run after finding herself navigationally challenged during the first. See you next time Jess!

This might have been the last time Ryder will have it so easy though, as from the next Gravity Enduro we’ll be introducing handicapping. Calculations are based on the first two rounds and should give many more a serious chance of a spot on the podium.

Here are the results and thanks to Tim Ross sacrificing his obvious chances of a win to take photos.

Next week is the second XC round of the season.

The tale of the Howes Creek Zephyr

By Baron von Sarous

A perfect evening greeted 11 riders at Lord’s Ground last Thursday for the MMBCC’s 25 km dash to Howes Creek and back — a course known for its rolling terrain and that ever-cheerful Howes Creek Zephyr, which somehow manages to be a headwind in both directions.

The Limit pair, Eisner and Jagger, set off first with a 14-minute advantage, followed by Dowd, Wilson, Curnow, and Appleton at eight minutes. The middle group — Chadd, Hall, Hammond, and Bakker — left at 4.30 minutes, while Simmons and Garrett in Scratch had the hard chase from the back.

The bunches quickly strung out along the route as the wind and hills took their toll. Hammond dropped from his group after strong early work, while Appleton and Curnow fought bravely before losing contact.

At the turn around, the group of Chadd, Hall and Bakker, knew they were a big chance for the win if they could hold it together and keep the pace up.

Meanwhile, the Scratch duo were flying, averaging around 40 km/h, slicing steadily through the field.

By the last of the climbs, Hall, Chadd, and Bakker caught the front-runners and the race was on.

With 400 m to go, Ryder Chadd launched his sprint early, to claim victory, with Bakker and Hall sprinting it out for second and third respectively.

Then came the Scratchies, right on their tail! Carl Simmons took fastest time at 51:01, just ahead of Garrett.

A tough but terrific night’s racing — big thanks to the volunteers, marshals, and the legendary Howes Creek Zephyr for keeping everyone honest!

Also a big thankyou to Simon, Heath, Andy and Carl for travelling to Mansfield to race. It makes a big difference to our club.

Here are the results and thanks again to Tony Copland for making us all look good.

Next week is a handicap road race along the Whitfield and around the Barwite Loop, starting at the Botanic Park and finishing on Graves Road.