NSW State Series – Thredbo

Any reason to go back to Thredbo is enough for us!

After a long summer of MTB action, Thredbo played host to its final raceA�event for this season, The Red Ass NSW State Series Round 1. Timed nicelyA�between the end of Australian National Series and the beginning of theA�World Cup season it was a great opportunity for local racers to settle intoA�the enjoyable atmosphere that is state racing.

State level racing is always fun and enjoyable because it is not as cut throat as Nationals!

Race day was looking to be spot on after yet another perfect day in theA�NSW Alps for practice on Saturday. However, come Sunday cloud hadA�rolled in and filled the valley, providing a concerning outlook for the day.A�Thankfully, the dull conditions didna��t last long with the cloud lifting aroundA�mid morning. Riders were blessed with spectacular views as the chair rideA�to the top lifted them out of the ominous cloud ban into perfect blue skies.

Saturday practice saw some dreamy conditions, with blue skies just like this there was no complaining.

We awoke Sunday to some doom and gloom though... — We awoke Sunday to some doom and gloom though…

Come race time it had mainly sorted itself out.

Seeding and racing were both run on Sunday, with the seeding actionA�kicking off at 11:30am. The track was in great condition with the openA�sections drying up and the forest holding some moisture after the recentA�rain. Riders were kept on their toes by the varying conditions for their raceA�runs.

Good conditions for most of the track had the riders loving it, you just had to make sure the sections of the track that weren't perfect you were on your game. — Good conditions for most of the track had the riders loving it, you just had to make sure the sections of the track that weren’t perfect you were on your game.

At the pointy end of the Elite Mena��s racing it was a close battle betweenA�Brent Smith, Oliver Zwar and Joel Willis. The final standings saw Oliver Zwar,A�take it by a nose over A�Brent Smith with Joel Willis in a close third. Zwar wasA�in great form, carrying on from his fifth place standing at the BrightA�National Championships.

In a rich vein of form at the moment Olivar Zwar took out the win for the Elite men.

In the Elite Womena��s race it was Kellie Weinert taking the win, a well deservedA�effort after a solid season of National racing. Sian Aa��hernA�stepped up from juniors this weekend to land herself on the second spot of the podium, in front of Sarah Booth.A�Once again it was another excellent weekend of racing up at ThredboA�and a very competitive start to the NSW state series.

The female classes saw plenty of good racing.

David 'Mayhem'McMillan. — David ‘Mayhem’McMillan.

Words and images: Ben Stevens Photo, follow them on Facebook or Instagram @benstevensphoto

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April 13, 2016

NSW/ACT DH 1 – Greenvalleys MTB Park

NSW DH1 drew 200 riders to Greenvalleys MTB Park south of Sydney for an epic weekend, which coincided with the X-up freeride festival. The trail was fast, rugged, and dusty.

Back racing in New South Wales! Slowly but surely we are seeing more and more local races starting their series off for the season, this was no different over the weekend as we headed to Greenvalleys for round 1 of the New South Wales state series.

With a number of tech sections riders were tested all around, here Daniel McComb swoops into the rock garden.

Bromley's all smiles despite two ejections in one run and a fresh set of battle scars. — Bromley’s all smiles despite two ejections in one run and a fresh set of battle scars.

Chris Clark carrying speed into the main rock garden during practice, light and smooth through the loose surface.

Out of the bush and into the sun (and AIR). The speed debate surrounded this step-up, inside or outside?

Tim Eaton throws a finish line wheelie during qualies; making a statement for the final with a time of 2:08.

You know the race is big when there's sky coverage - and what a day for flying! — You know the race is big when there’s sky coverage – and what a day for flying!

The track, like any, claimed a number of humans and bikes - Matt Staggs had a wild encounter with gravity after catching a pedal. — The track, like any, claimed a number of humans and bikes – Matt Staggs had a wild encounter with gravity after catching a pedal.

And here we have Wollongong's local media folk. Ty Bowmaker of Captyvate Media getting the shot. — And here we have Wollongong’s local media folk. Ty Bowmaker of Captyvate Media getting the shot.

Ben Cory was glimpsed flashing through the trees during practice, and conquered the changing track conditions to take 1st place with a 2:03.

Elite Men Final Results
1: Ben Cory – 2:03.0
2: Mark Conliffe – 2:06.1
3: Tim Eaton – 2:06.7

Elite Women Final Results
1:A�Sarah Booth – 2:40.5
2:A�Trudy Nicholas – 2:50.3
3: Kellie Weinert – 2:51.6

U19 Male Final Results
1:A�Hamish Cowan – 2:14.7
2:A�Chris Tye – 2:15.4
3:A�Chris Clark – 2.17.2

Complete results at:A�http://www.rockytrailentertainment.com/events/DH-results.html

Big whips, bar humps, lookbacks... with X-up festival the day earlier riders were inspired to style up. — Big whips, bar humps, lookbacks… with X-up festival the day earlier riders were inspired to style up.

Rocky Trail Entertainment always put on a good show, 2014's state series is feeling energetic and ready to go. With mexican food from Red Ass on site, what more could we ask for! — Rocky Trail Entertainment always put on a good show, 2014’s state series is feeling energetic and ready to go. With mexican food from Red Ass on site, what more could we ask for!

Ryan Hunt is settling back into race mode very nicely, with obvious speed in the finish jump area. 4th place with a 2:09.

Next NSW/ACT round is in September, check out the Rocky Trail Entertainment website for up-to-date information.

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Photos: www.jaimeblack.com.au

July 29, 2014

NSW DH State Champs – Lithgow

On a weekend where Severe Weather Warnings outspoke TV news, over 160 riders gathered to race on Lithgow’s Pony Express trail. Warmly hosted by the Central Tablelands MTB Club and Lithgow Pony Club, the racing atmosphere was buzzing early Sunday morning.

A dry, dusty track had riders on their toes, pushing for grip to beat the clock.A�Downhill riders are familiar with coming home covered in dirt, dust and sweat, usually accompanied by a huge grin and/or battle scars. There were plenty of spills and near misses, including an unlucky fall by Steve Humphreys (NSWDH) who left by ambulance, but has since been confirmed OK.

The medics were busy tending to riders' cuts and scrapes after losing it in the brown pow, on the rocks. — Dust isn’t as soft as it looks, as many riders found out. JB.

Rick Boyer carves a wave of dust late in his race run, moments before spectators are sprayed with dust. EE.

Teejay Clark took the Expert Men's title for 2013 with a blistering run. Here, midway down the track TJ has his eyes on the prize. — Teejay Clark took the Expert Men’s title for 2013 with a blistering run. Here, midway down the track TJ has his eyes on the prize. JB.

Del Rio and Ourimbah had a designated 'Heckler's Corner', here is Lithgow's. As Jacob McCormack hit the deck on 'Mega Thunder' the crowd winced. With a facefull of dust, McCormack recovered and finished 21st. — Del Rio and Ourimbah had a designated ‘Heckler’s Corner’, here is Lithgow’s. As Jacob McCormack hit the deck on ‘Mega Thunder’ the crowd winced. With a facefull of dust, McCormack recovered and finished 21st. JB.

On a modest spring day, even reptiles made it out to watch the state's fastest battle it out. Spot our reptilian friend.. EE. — On a modest spring day, even reptiles made it out to watch the state’s fastest battle it out. Spot our reptilian friend.. EE.

Michelle Crisp on the gas to Third place in Elite Women. Michelle has had an impressive comeback after a serious shoulder injury just one year ago. 2014 will be a big year for her! JB.

Lithgow locals celebrate their racing with true Aussie rider style - here 'Skin' stops for a well earned draught mid-race run. — Lithgow locals celebrate their racing with true Aussie rider style – here ‘Skin’ stops for a well earned draught mid-race run. EE.

Megaphones, tree-climbing, yelling, cheering, and sometimes drinking, the Hecklers were out in force come Elite racing. It's like a miniature world cup atmosphere. At any level, Downhill racing represents the same values and passion; from grassroots to World Cup people are united by riding their bikes, in the bush. — Megaphones, tree-climbing, yelling, cheering, and sometimes drinking, the Hecklers were out in force come race time. Despite all the noise, here it’s a rider and his bike against the clock. JB.

It's like a miniature world cup atmosphere. At any level, Downhill racing represents the same values and passion; from grassroots to World Cup people are united by riding their bikes, in the bush.A�JB. — It’s like a miniature world cup atmosphere. At any level, Downhill racing represents the same values and passion; from grassroots to World Cup people are united by riding their bikes, in the bush.A�JB.

Graeme Mudd, on a high since taking out Dual Slalom at Crankworx was expected to perform in racing, and he did, falling into second place to Andrew Crimmins by less than a second.

Crimmins attacks the same corner, blazing a trail of dust behind him. Andrew has shown his pace at every round this year, tough competition with Graeme Mudd and Blake Nielsen.

Elite Male
1 – Andrew Crimmins, NSW. 1:47.79 1:46.42
2 – Graeme Mudd, NSW. +2.09
3 – Ben Cory, ACT. +4.64
4 – Mathew Dodd, QLD. +6.08
5 – Cody Eichhorn, NSW. +6.09

Elite Female

1 – Tegan Molloy, NSW. 2:13.29 2:11.91
2 – Sarah Booth, NSW. +1.48
3 – Michelle Crisp, NSW. +9.77
4 – Kellie Weinert, NSW. +11.99

Here’s a few extra snaps from Lithgow’s State Champs for 2013. What a great weekend of Downhill! The next round of the NSW/ACT RedAss Downhill Series is in Awaba, November 17/18.

Photos:
Edwin Emmerick / Edwin Emmerick Photography
Jaime Black / www.jaimeblack.com.au

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October 1, 2013

NSW State Series – Round 2 – Del Rio

Blake Nielsen is back on the gas after a long bout of injury, finding his speed and the podium, just a second behind the top time of 2:00:84 (Graeme Mudd).

The Bilt Bikes team were looking fast all weekend. Brendan Moon claimed 4th in Elite Mens and Ryan O'linn (pictured) took 2nd in U19s. — The Bilt Bikes team were looking fast all weekend. Brendan Moon claimed 4th in Elite Mens and Ryan O’linn (pictured) took 2nd in U19s.

Danielle Beecroft was in form off the back of Val Di Sole a couple of runs on Sunday morning prepared her for the win in Elite Women's. — Danielle Beecroft was in form off the back of Val Di Sole; a couple of runs on Sunday morning prepared her for the win in Elite Women’s.

Rain on race day left the tight, fast, off-camber bottom section slick, the creek was all too inviting and time consuming for some riders. — Rain on race day left the tight, fast, off-camber bottom section slick. The creek was all too inviting and time consuming for some riders.

Line choice was ever important come Sunday, slippery chutes saw riders taking corners early to straight-line the descent. — Line choice was more important than ever come Sunday, slippery chutes saw riders taking corners early, to straight-line their descent.

This was where the action was come Sunday. The transition from grippy, dry dirt to loamy, wet mud, spattered with rocks allowed riders to show off creative lines, and some brilliant saves.

Rocky Trail Entertainment put on a brilliant weekend for everyone, riding or not. The atmosphere at Del Rio was great; no waiting for shuttles or unhappy riders. Here, Martin finds his own rhythm on the track. — Rocky Trail Entertainment put on a brilliant weekend for everyone, riding or not. The atmosphere at Del Rio was great; no waiting for shuttles or unhappy riders. The amount of effort the Wisata couple puts in is heroic. Here, Martin finds his own rhythm on the track.

With over 160 riders, it's clear that the MTB industry is picking up in NSW. Maybe over the next few years we will start seeing comparable numbers to SA and VIC races? Only time will tell. — With over 160 riders, it’s clear that the MTB industry is picking up in NSW. Maybe over the next few years we will start seeing comparable numbers to SA and VIC races? Only time will tell.

For more photos and a video debrief from Del Rio, visitA�www.jaimeblack.com.au

The next round of the Red Ass NSW State DH Series is at Ourimbah on August 24/25. Check Rocky Trail Entertainment for more info.

June 28, 2013

Coffs Harbour Race Results 9th & 10th July 2011

The final round of the NSW/ACT State Series was held in Coffs Harbour on a track that saw a few new additions/alterations courtesy of the logging that has happened in the area. There was a good turn out across the classes, the biggest news of the weekend was the return to racing of Tracey Hannah. She showed she still knows how to ride a bike with a victory margin of over 30 seconds. It will be great to see Tracey back racing on the world stage soon.

Laying a whip over in Elite Men. Photo: Neil Thompson (neilthompsonphotography.com.au)

Continue reading “Coffs Harbour Race Results 9th & 10th July 2011” →

August 12, 2011