Team Ryder riders ride for Ryder
By Darren Bakker
The Mt Buller Cycling Club held its Thursday night handicap race on the Barwite Loop, a testing 21 kilometre course that riders know well. The highlight of the loop is the infamous Coombesberg, which appears about one-third of the way into the race and features a steep kilometre climb that has been responsible for many riders suddenly questioning their life choices.
Heading off first was John Eisner, followed by Craig Wilson and Steve Curnow.
The next group away included Jock Brega, Christy Rilen, Simon Mulvihill and Adrian Dowd.
Following them were Bruce Halket, Simon Hall and Darren Bakker, with the final group made up of the hotshots: Brenton Jones, Adam Van Stokrom, Luke Bagley, Ryder Chadd and Paul Scouller.
To make things slightly unfair for the rest of the field, the Team Ryder riders had already completed 180 kilometres earlier in the day riding from Albury to Mansfield as part of the Chain Reaction fundraiser ride. Most riders would call 180 kilometres a big day out — Team Ryder called it a warm-up.
In what turned out to be perfect riding conditions, John Eisner rolled out to start the race. Normally, if a rider can crest the Coombesberg before the faster groups arrive, there’s a good chance they can latch onto the passing wheels and hang on as the race comes back together.
But not tonight.
With Ryder and his hotshots in the final group, they soon began steamrolling their way through the field. Jock had his group riding like a well-oiled machine, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the freight train coming from behind.
When Ryder, Brenton and Adam finally caught Bruce Halket and Darren Bakker, it looked like they would disappear into the distance as well. But after a massive sustained sprint, Bakker managed to latch onto the back of them, clinging on with everything he had.
As the group continued to collect the remaining riders at speed, no one else was able to grab a wheel.
Approaching the Tolmie Road turn-off, the group glanced back and could still see Bakker hanging on like a little red caboose, refusing to be shaken loose.
Coming into the finish, Brenton Jones and Adam launched the lead-out, setting Ryder up perfectly for the sprint.
Ryder Chadd powered across the line for the win, second was Brenton and Adam third, with Bakker rolling in behind them with teeth marks in his handlebars to finish fourth.
Here are the results. Thanks go to all the commissaires, marshals and the Chain Reaction crew for helping make it another great night of racing. Thanks also to Tony for his race images and Micala for the podium pic.
Next week it’s the T-shaped Whitfield / Barwite Roads circuit, finishing at the Showgrounds again.
Dirt Crits Team Race
Dirt Crits last Tuesday saw a great turnout for a cross country Teams Race.
As of deadline time, MMBCC News hasn’t received any detailed results or a write-up but here’s a podium shot of the top three teams.
Talia in Spain
Tonight will see Talia’s Jayco Alula team racing the third and final stage of the Vuelta Extremadura Féminas, a lumpy 139km. Below is the profile of the stage.
Talia is currently 9th on GC, only 48 seconds behind leader Zoe Backstedt.
Her team mate, and current Aus Champion, Mackenzie Coupland is 4th at 14”.
Give it a Go with NICA
By Lynn Frerichs | NICA General Manager
I wanted to reach out directly as I think your members and their families would really enjoy what we have planned.
NICA is hosting a FREE Give It a Go Youth MTB Festival in Tumbarumba on Sunday 15 March 2026, a fun and relaxed event showcasing what NICA programs are all about: inclusive, community-driven riding for students in Years 5 to 12.
(MMBCC members should keep in mind that this is the same weekend as the club is hosting the final round of the VDHS. So while NICA seem to be hosting a great weekend, we could really do with your help to run DH race at Blue Range.)
Whether your members are kids who love riding or adults interested in getting involved as volunteer MTB coaches, this is a fantastic opportunity to come along, have a go, and experience NICA firsthand.
The day includes a coached pre-ride, on-bike games, a time trial, and a Q&A session with the NICA team, including visiting leadership from NICA USA. With the event set in the magnificent Tumbarumba, we encourage families to make a full weekend of it and enjoy the trails on Saturday as well.
Full event details are included below. We’d greatly appreciate your sharing this with your members and encouraging families to register.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
Hope to see your crew out there!
Time to Ride!
Tumbarumba is an absolutely amazing place to ride. Join us for a fun weekend on bikes and meet other riders from around the region.
What is it?
This FREE NICA Give It a Go Festival is an exhibition event designed to showcase what NICA programs look and feel like — fun, inclusive, and community-driven.
Come along and see what it’s all about!
Who’s it for?
Students in Years 5 to 12.
You can participate in the full session or choose what interests you most.
Love racing? Jump into the Time Trial. More into skills and games? The NICA on-the-bike games are for you. Curious parent? NICA staff will be there to answer your questions.
Parents and community members are especially encouraged to attend and learn what’s involved in starting a NICA team in your community.
Schedule
Sunday 15 March 2026
8:30 – 9:00 am - Check-in
9:00 am - Session briefing
9:10 am - Session start, including coached pre-ride and NICA on-the-bike games
10:30 am - Time trial start
11:30 am - Presentations & Q&A
Please register early so we can prepare our NICA on-the-bike games and ensure Cycle Tumbarumba has time to organise lunch. Bring cash for the BBQ.
Make a weekend of it and ride the Mt Tumbarumba trails on Saturday, including the locals’ favourite trail, 'Tumba Rumble' with optional A-lines, huge berms and huge grins throughout. Be sure to book your pass and shuttles early: https://mttumbarumba.com.au/
We are also planning some fun activities on Saturday night at the Caravan Park. Details to follow.
Feel free to pass this along to anyone who might enjoy being part of a NICA program, whether as a participant or a coach. The more the merrier! Thank you!
Are you in?
Questions?
AusCycling Development Instructor course
By Melissa Ward | AusCycling Club Development Lead ‑ Victoria
As part of the Collaborative Club Capacity Building Program, focussed on strengthening our regional clubs, I am currently working with Cearna (CC) Mckenzie on our Workforce Team to provide training opportunities to clubs in regional Victoria. With the funding courtesy of the Victorian Government’s Regional Sustainable Volunteer Workforce grant, our CCCB Program will provide financial support of 50% of the enrolment costs and will endeavour to conduct practical elements of the courses in the regions.
We have a number of regional VIC MTB clubs who have indicated that they would like MTB Development level training in the near future. I am pleased to share that the Workforce Team has connected with a regional club whose members are eager to host a Development Instructor MTB Course. We're currently reaching out to the community to gauge interest in joining Beechworth Chaingang on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March 2026.
For more information on the benefits of becoming a Development Instructor, please use this link. Note that you must already be an accredited Foundation Instructor MTB with minimum 20 hours logged instruction.
Action required: Could you please let me know as soon as possible if you are interested in being involved in the Beechworth Development Instructor course later this month and names / email contacts ASAP.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch via email or 0478 778 445.