At a time when Eastern Australia was all but hibernating; waiting out rain-soaked weeks until the trails would dry; Stromlo Forest Park and Rocky Trail Entertainment chose the single sun-bathed weekend to hold instalment number four of the National Gravity Enduro Series for 2014. A fresh series which encompasses some of the best aspects of Mountain Biking, Mt Stromlo invited seasoned pros, elite racers, ‘roadies’, weekend warriors, families and mates to ride it’s much-loved trail network. This is their story (ha!).
With A & B lines throughout, the Enduro series really is the most accessible form of racing for the intermediate mountain biker.Berm lovers were in their element on the Luge trail, with switchback after switchback this section called for riders to push their cornering technique!One word: LUGE.The event centre from near to the top of the trails. Just under 200 riders and another event in the park had the carpark at capacity. The event hosted many stores and sponsors including DHARCO, Knolly Bike, and long time Rocky Trail sponsors JetBlack Racing.During practice the social side of the event came to light. Here riders of all categories reach a plateau in the only timed fire trail section.Whether talking lines or last night’s hilarities, the start area held a casual, fun vibe as riders spread out and started their pre-race run routines.
With a gruelling fire trail ascent halfway through Trail 1 (Vapour, DH, Luge) time was won and lost as riders fought the gradient for pace.Mens Elite Podium: 1: Ben Cory / 11:35 2: Dan MacMunn / +10s 3: Dylan Cooper / +19s 4: Tim Eaton / +21s 4: Ryan Walsch / +21sWomens Elite Podium: 1: Rosemary Barnes / 13.33 2: Claire Whiteman / + 3s 3: Jaclyn Shapel / + 9s 4: Vanessa Thompson / +51s 5: Kath Bicknell / + 63sLadies and Gentlemen, your Elite Series Leaders after Australian Gravity Enduro #5 2014, Rosemary Barnes & Dan MacMunn. Will they take the top step in Smithfield, Cairns, QLD? Be there on October 11/12 for 6 stages of Enduro racing awesomeness. Hit www.rockytrailentertaiment.com for info.
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