Inside Info: Connor Fearon – Gravity Enduro Fox Creek

Back racing on the/a bike! First enduro race for Mr Fearon,

The final round of the Gravity Enduro South Australia series was my first proper enduro race. Luckily it was held at the Fox Creek downhill tracks because I have been riding there for probably over 10 years now and know most of the trails well. The format of the racing is really relaxed, basically you can ride up the hills at your own pace with a bunch of your mates and then race them back down 4 different tracks over the day. Typically the tracks where all pretty downhill oriented albeit with a bit more pedalling in them to lengthen the tracks. Stage one was the top section of Green Smoothie which crosses over to Fast half way. Probably the most physically demanding track it also had the biggest a�?liaisona��(for those playing at home this is the technical word for the un-timed transit stage). Being the first stage all of the racers climbed up the whole hill following each other. It was then I realised making the 3pm cut off to finish all the stages would be no hard task as the pace was pretty slow.

Stage one was probably the most physically demanding and Green Smoothie is one of the most hotly contested tracks on Strava if that kind of thing floats your boat!

Also worthy of a mention is the timing system, all riders wear a ring on their finger that has a transponder on it. You need to poke it into a little machine at the start and finish of every stage. Unfortunately the machine at the bottom of stage one was placed in an awkward position around a corner so once you saw the machine it was almost too late to stop. There was many close calls and a few crashes because of this. The climb up to stage 2 was really steep although the stage itself was anything but. Being the bottom half of the Green Smoothie trail it was relatively flat and consumed a lot of energy having to always pedal to keep your speed up, nonetheless it was a fun stage and probably the longest stage of the day.

Connor chose to go the full face option, as did a lot of riders, in a large part due to the high speeds of this race!

Stage 3 was either your favourite or least favourite track of the day. It is a relatively new trail (to my knowledge at least) that drops off the opposite side to most tracks at fox creek towards Adelaide. The start was high speed down steep fire roads and drops into really narrow, steep and off-camber single track. Especially with the dry dusty conditions which made traction minimal it was the most technical track of the day. For a lot of people it was the first time riding the track and they were caught off guard. Luckily I had ridden the track twice before and knew to take it easy!

Just like downhill, enduro is much about as knowing where to take it easy as it is to go that little bit harder!

It was a long liaison section in between stages 3 and 4. There was a big group of us so we took it easy and talked a lot of banter on the way almost forgetting we were doing a race. Stage 4 was Fox Steep that continued all the way to the main car park. For those of you who are not familiar its quite a technical rocky track thata��s probably more suited to a downhill bike with a big long flat section at the bottom. It was definitely my favourite stage of the day and a track Ia��m very familiar with. It was the first time Ia��ve raced Fox Steep since my very first downhill race in 2005, which was pretty cool. As people were getting fatigued by this point the final stage claimed a lot of riders but luckily no series injuries. After coming off an injury I gave the race a pretty good crack and ended up winning the day which was awesome. My Kona Process made it through with no mechanicals what so ever and was the perfect bike for the job. It was good for my confidence to win this race so just got to keep the ball rolling onto the national downhill series! Thanks to Kona bikes, Fox Head, SRAM/Rockshox/Avid/Truvativ, Yakima rack, HT Pedals and Maxxis.

First enduro race and first win! 100% win ratio is always nice.... — First enduro race and first win! 100% win ratio is always nice….

Images in this article from Kaneophoto (Instagram @kaneophoto) andA�RFPhotographics (FacebookA�hereA�or follow on Instagram @rfphotographics).

Facebook.com/downhill247
Instagram:A�@downhill247

November 13, 2014

Gravity Enduro SA – Fox Creek

Enduro time is the time for kicking roost!

The third and final round of the South Australian Gravity Enduro series headed to a proverbial favourite among crow eaters – Fox Creek! This track often gets used for the Inside Line state downhill races (as well as the Adelaide Mountain Bike Club cross country races) and it is generally fast!

There were a lot of riders sporting full face helmets because of the high speed along the stages.

The sun was shining and riders were all smiles... — The sun was shining and riders were all smiles…

Okay maybe not quite all smiles but overall!

Troy Brosnan with a legend of the Aussie riding scene Steve Marsh. Troy will tell you it was Steve who found him and nurtured him to reach the professional level he has since got to.

The 4 stages that made up the race, riders had to complete them within the allocated time. Green Smoothie and Fast made an appearance along with a newer track

With volunteers scraping for time after being locked out of the forest due to fire ban in the days leading up to the event, everyone did an amazing job to get the trails bunted and groomed ready for racing Sunday. Being blessed by the weather gods was one way to make racing more flat out and corner slapping than ever. With both beginners and Adelaide mountain bike royalty coming out of the woodwork, it was set to be an awesome race for all.

Troy Brosnan was back on the bike after taking a well earned break in Hawaii!

With some big names in (and out) of the mix in the elite categories, Phillipa Rostan took out the ladies, followed closely by Jackie Schapel and Anna Puckridge rounded out the top three. All eyes were on Troy Brosnan and Connor Fearon to battle it out in the elite mens. The number 1 plate of Dave West quietly confident he could knock the two young shredders off their perch (and rightly so….. with Dave being no slouch on a bike). After the day’s racing it wasn’t to be, with Connor Fearon taking out the elite men win by a considerable margin of around 20 seconds, followed by Troy and Dave filling out the remaining spots.

Connor Fearon took out the win by a massive 20 seconds, a far larger margin than we were expecting. Connor has given us a report from the weekend's race so look out for that! — Connor Fearon took out the win by a massive 20 seconds, a far larger margin than we were expecting. Connor has given us a report from the weekend’s race so look out for that!

Troy Brosnan second and smiling as usual!

Third place for Dave West on the day, here he leads the pack!

Smiles all around on the elite men's podium — Smiles all around on the elite men’s podium

There was different tracks that suited different riders and their skills.

And the prize for looking most like a professional goes to Kane Lademan who had everyone confused for Connor Fearon...! — And the prize for looking most like a professional goes to Kane Lademan who had everyone confused for Connor Fearon…!

Always good to see more and more girls out on a bike and riding, something we hope continues to happen.

These girls are no slouches on bikes either! Shelly Flood borrowing the photographers bike for a bit of fun.

Towards the bottom of the stage saw riders have a few different options where they could drop in on.

The timing system meant riders just had to insert their chip at the beginning and end of the stage, overall it worked well.

The dry conditions meant there was some dust getting kicked up,it also meant riders were washing out when they were pushing too hard! — The dry conditions meant there was some dust getting kicked up, it also meant riders were washing out when they were pushing too hard!

Getting up high, setting up for the corner.

Weaving in and out of the trees at Fox Creek.

Being the final round the South Australian series we suspect next year there will be even more riders!

Thanks to all that put their time and effort into making these events possible, trail builders, marshals and event organizers for another epic year of enduro racing. we will see you all next season! In the mean time get rad on your bike!

Ps check back soon for Connor Fearon’s exclusive Inside Info where you get the words straight from the winner’s mouth!

That's a wrap we are outta here! — That’s a wrap we are outta here!

Words Aaron Pelttari (Aaron would like to thanks Monza Imports, Bicycle Express & Bouwmeester Composites).

Images in this article from Kaneophoto (Instagram @kaneophoto) andA�RFPhotographics (FacebookA�hereA�or follow on Instagram @rfphotographics).

Facebook.com/downhill247
Instagram:A�@downhill247

November 11, 2014

Alpine Gravity – Elevation Gravity Enduro Series

One of the original and still one of the best enduro series in Australia, the Alpine Gravity series always delivers.

It is on again! The 2014/15 Alpine Gravity Elevation Enduro Series will shortly be upon us, we always love heading out to the races that Ben and his crew put on, in fact talk to any of the riders that have raced one and they will tell you much the same! There are some changes for this upcoming series which will make things even better but we will let this video tell the story;

For more information head over to the Alpine Gravity Facebook page hereA�or head to their websiteA�www.alpinegravity.net

Expect coverage from Downhill247 as usual, see you out there!

Facebook.com/downhill247
Instagram:A�@downhill247

Alpine Gravity is a sponsor of Downhill247 and this post.

July 13, 2014

Alpine Gravity Elevation Enduro 3 – Mt Buller

A different kind of start gate with an urban feel, as riders departed through Mt. Buller Village before dropping into the lush wilderness.

The forested areas made for an excellent shady retreat with awesome riding, solid berms and great scenery.

The 3rd round of the Alpine Gravity All Mountain Series had us arriving at Mt Buller, a venue that has had its fair share of mountain biking events over the years. The weather was looking fantastic for the weekend, and as we arrived there was a small sense of delight as there was small patches of snow hidden in the shadows, and while there wasn’t any to ride through, it was a lot of fun to throw at passing riders (Media is allowed to have some fun right?!).

Karl Peel shows us that just because there is no berm doesn't mean a corner cannot be slayed! — Karl Peel shows us that just because there is no berm doesn’t mean a corner cannot be slayed!

One of the more picturesque crossings, this time theres no getting wet while crossing one of many bridges on the Delatite River trail.

As riders started flowing past and we made our way down track, we realised we were infact making our way up track, with the first section of the track being a slow, but steady climb, out of the village and along the ridge of Mt. Buller, slowly snaking our way towards the Delatite river and the aptly named Delatite River trail. After a leg burning climb, the trail slowly started dipping downwards again into a nice flowy section with berms and a traverse along the hillside. It then hit some very fast and loose fire road sections, though just a fire road, your amount of dedication would make or lose time here; if you were confident to let go of the brakes and put full trust in the bike there were valuable seconds to be made up.

More amazing views along the trail, it hard to keep the concentration on the track with views like these.

The fireroads opened up onto a valley with the Delatite River at its base, as we traversed along the walls of the valley we began getting closer and closer to the river, and then started snaking across it over some awesome bridge crossings, and occasionally we got wet, crossing a small tributary feeding the river. These small river crossings were much welcomed as by this time most riders where pooped, with this being a very long track, taking it out of alot of riders, and also the media crew.

This time its full scale wetness... — This time its full scale wetness…

...not just for the cyclist. — …not just for the cyclist.

And then we decided to get a little bit arty... — And then we decided to get a little bit arty.

Just when you thought the track was done there are also two pinch climbs to push you over some small but tough hills and then eventually to the base of Mount Buller and the finish. Queensland’s Michael Ronning took the Elite Men’s title, while Victorian Jo Wall claimed the Elite Women’s podium.

Photos & Words: Jason Stevens – www.jasonstevensimagery.com

Keep up with the latest from Downhill247 on Facebook & Instagram:

FB: www.facebook.com/downhill247com
Instagram: @downhill247

'Hux', a name very well known in the Vic riding scene for photography finds himself on a bike for once! — ‘Hux’, a name very well known in the Vic riding scene for photography finds himself on a bike for once!

Oskcar White looking right at home on the opening section of trail.

'Leachy' on the hunt for the Alpha Wolf title over reigning 'Nato'. — ‘Leachy’ on the hunt for the Alpha Wolf title over reigning ‘Nato’.

December 16, 2013

Gravity Enduro SA – Round 3 – Fox Creek

The third and final round of the Gravity Enduro South Australia (GESA) series was held at Fox Creek up in the Adelaide Hills, a favorite destination for riders of all disciplines. Hard to believe that the series is drawing to a close already, it seems like only yesterday we were at the inaugural event at Craigburn farm.

Fox had some of the biggest climbs of any of the events yet but this also translated to some of the longest and fastest downhills, earn your turn as they say! Still the dreaded climbing was made easier by the fact you could cruise up, chatting with mates (unless you have one of those mates who is super competitive about everything and they had to turn the up into a race too a�� everyone knows someone like that right?!). Despite initially being slated as a five stage race in the end three stages were used to determine the victors. This included the new Green Smoothie trail which was built by IMBA and is an absolute blast to ride!

Elite Men:

1. Andy ClarkeA�13.05

2. Brad McDonnell 13.39

3. Alex Waddicor 13.54

Elite Women:

1. Anna Puckridge 16.37

2. Bria Smith 17.15

3. Nicole Jefferies 20.21

Under 19 Men:

1. Cam Ryan 13.08

2. Curtis Dowdell 13.44

3. Darcy Grooby 14.19

Good racing across the classes, Cam Ryan won Under 19 but would have placed 2nd in Elite.A�With 90 or so competitors and it was well run and good end to a successful first season, see you next year!

November 3, 2013

Alpine Gravity Series – Round 1 – Barjarg

Welcome to Barjarg, the first round of the Alpine Gravity Elevation Series, after last yeara��s success this year was highly anticipated with well over 200 riders showing up for the weekend of racing. Alpine Gravity put a large emphasis on making their races casual, relaxed and inviting. The first round of this series was no different, with friendly staff everywhere to help, but strict guidelines and rules to keep everyone safe, plus it helped the event run as smoothly as possible.

Lucy Crundwell makes her way down track.

As practice begun the dust stared to fly. With no rain to settle the ground over the past fewweeks, the track was dry and it didn’t take long for riders to have to space themselves quite a ways apart just to see the track. The dust being lifted also began revealing some surprise rocks, changing lines and at times catching people out. The elevation tracks have been designed with every rider in mind, from beginners to world cup standard riders.

Chris Panozzo pushes limits entering the valley kicking up the dust as he does so!

Mid-way through practice the shady areas became very popular spots to stop, watch, and practice as the sun got very warm in the midday sky. As practice wrapped up on Saturday there was many a dusty rider, with sizable smiles all round, though the track was slightly challenging the consensus was overwhelming amounts of fun.

A photographers life isn't all that bad at times - taking a break from the sun! — A photographers life isn’t all that bad at times – taking a break from the sun!

Todd Palmer pushes hard through a flat corner, holding in a big smile - riders really enjoyed themselves and turn around times were quick! — Todd Palmer pushes hard through a flat corner, holding in a big smile – riders really enjoyed themselves and turn around times were quick!

Race day arrived as did the sun again, though it was warm, the weather was outstanding with perfect blue skies. Morning practice saw a very efficient shuttle send plenty of riders down the hill pre-race runs to dial in any final lines and suss out any rocks that may of moved or appeared late Saturday afternoon.

Sean Frith somehow manages a run after Saturday nights shenanigans... — Sean Frith somehow manages a run after Saturday nights shenanigans…

Jackson White pushes through a corner in the afternoon sun.

Racing began and riders started flowing down the hill, and up the hill! With so much downhill under the belt it takes some getting used to seeing riders go up! Alpine Gravity Elevation allows riders two runs, taking their best run for the final result, meaning ita��s a very fair racing system which allows you to have a mechanical in one run and still be competitive, it also allows for personal competition to try and beat your own time! As the first runs finish up we see Dan MacMunn on top, looking good to keep his unbeaten streak at Alpine Gravity Elevation going.

Dean Lucas navigates through the rocky shoot mid track.

Dean Lucas shows brother Jake Lucas a thing of two about cornering.

The second runs begin there are many more accidents and slip ups as riders become tired and fatigued. this provides excellent entertainment for the spectators in the final valley section near the bottom of the track who see plenty of riders become unstuck, and also plenty stay rubber side down at high speed, which is just as exhilarating.

David Ferroni showing that the big wheels keep up with the rest of the pack!

Chris Panozzo shows off some of the skills which had him looking quick all event.

As racing wrapped up Dan MacMunn took the win keeping that record perfect, followed by Kaine Cannan and wrapping up the podium Dean Lucas.

Dan MacMunn pushes hard in the valley to claim top spot and keep his Alpine Gravity Enduro record perfect.

You can never take the downhiller out, Dean Lucas powers over the line.

Final Podium; Dan MacMunn, Kaine Cannan, Dean Lucas.

Report & images: Jason Stevens Photography

Facebook: Facebook.com/Downhill247

Instagram: @Downhill247

October 23, 2013