SA State Series – Eagle

Back to Eagle, this time with the blue skies and the sun shining!

Eagle Mountain Bike Park had the privilege of hosting round 5 of the Insideline downhill mountain bike series. Of course Eagle is a tried and true track, having hosted multiple state races as well as National Championships. With an awesome weekend ahead all riders were looking towards the weather to see what was going to become. With blue skies forecast it was going to be a welcome change for the riders (and bikes) from the past few rounds of wet slop. First up before we delve into racing let’s take a ride down the course with our helmet cam rider Mr Aaron Peltarri;

As riders flowed in Saturday morning track walk got underway and saw riders looking at a different eagle track from previous rounds. With different line choices from top to bottom, and a dry gritty dirt it was going to be a fast and loose weekend for all!

Bikes primed and ready to go, excitement plus!

With some changes to the track there were lines to be sussed.

No Troy Brosnan didn't come home to race his local race as he was in Canada racing the World Cup but riders of all skill levels were having a blast on the weekend. — No Troy Brosnan didn’t come home to race his local race as he was in Canada racing the World Cup but riders of all skill levels were having a blast on the weekend.

Sunday came round and excitement was building for race time! With spectators finally coming out the woodwork due to the all time weather, riders were keen to get rowdy and the crowd wanted to see fast racing! With the usual suspects smoking elite and under 19s seeding runs, racing was well and truly underway and everyone was smiling ear to ear.

As the day dawned, Elite and under 19s finals runs fast approached and it was time for the boys and girls to bring the noise!

Elite women came down first off and it was once again a battle between the gravity girls, with just 1.59 seconds separating the two in seeding it was anyone’s game, Cami Miller came down setting the pace with a 2.52.97 on the clock. However it was not to be her day, as Moira Love came down to seal the deal by just 0.50 of a second!

Crowd participation, essential at any Insideline race!

The under 19s started and it was again tight racing, with most of the field done, at the top the 5 were left, each rider came down knocking the rider in front off the top step to mirror the same result as seeding. With Darcy Grooby taking another win with a 2.04.19, Cameron Heading slipping into second with a 2.06.98 and rounding out the top 3 Drew Gartery with a 2.09.13.

Another win for Darcy Grooby who is getting on a roll this season.

Elite men started and conditions could not have been better, with the pre race banter over it was time to get down to business and it did not disappoint. With Cody Barker setting the benchmark early on with a 2.03.100, Matty Taylor got close sitting in just 0.090 behind. It was not until the wallaby himself (Conor Clancy) came down with a smoking time of 2.01.11 was able to knock Cody off the top step. With the top 2 qualifiers left to come Angus Maddern came down to put the wallaby back a spot with a time of 1.57.950 being the first rider of the day to break the 2 minute mark.

Angus Maddern, the first rider to go sub 2 minutes during racing... — Angus Maddern, the first rider to go sub 2 minutes during racing…

All eyes were on Cam Ryan as he made his way down for the final run of the day, crossing the line in a 1.57.690 taking out his first Elite men win and the fastest run of the day. It was fantastic to see Cam grab his first win in Elite, we are sure there are more to come! Interesting to note he did it on his big bike rather than his enduro whip he has been racing on lately…

Winner winner! Back on his downhill bike and it clearly paid for Cam Ryan taking out the Elite Men's field. — Winner winner! Back on his downhill bike and it clearly paid for Cam Ryan taking out the Elite Men’s field.

A few riders on enduro bikes were having great fun but said there were areas on the track where a downhill bike would be advantageous!

What a banger from RF Photographics! Scrubbing just because... — What a banger from RF Photographics! Scrubbing just because…

Thanks to Insideline mountain bike club for another great event, we will see you all at round 6 back at Fox Creek for another awesome weekend of racing!

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

Images in this article from RFPhotographics like them on FacebookA�hereA�or follow on Instagram @rfphotographics

Facebook.com/downhill247
Instagram:A�@downhill247

August 5, 2014

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.

Tune in with Downhill247 for the latest news and photos (and more).
Facebook.com/downhill247
Instagram: @downhill247

Photos: www.jaimeblack.com.au

July 29, 2014

King of Ballarat Round 2 – Preview

We are getting geared up for round 2 of the King of Ballarat series, it's going to be an interesting race we are sure... — We are getting geared up for round 2 of the King of Ballarat series, it’s going to be an interesting race we are sure…

After the mudfest of round 1 we are back to the other side of the car park and into the pine trees that makes Blackhill such an amazing venue.

Round 2 for King of Ballarat and we race the iconic Deep Lead track.A� For years this track has been one which riders all enjoyed for many years,A� from the ridge line through to the berms,A� the roots and the roller coaster.

The Deep Lead track is waiting for riders on the 26th and 27th of July.

This year sees a number of changes to the trail.A� New B and C lines give riders a different choice should they not take that famous roots section. The B line is exceptionally good fun as it gives you the chance to let it go and chuck some soft juicy loam about. The roots them selves have been slightly changed as the entrance into is been slightly reduced, making riders look at multiple options to keep away from going down.A� Word has it that some riders are boosting the lot.

Kyle Coutts showing how it is done, not even touching the roots here!

The biggest change is the roller coaster, which was rebuilt over 12 months ago,A� to become a wood feature.A� Unfortunately this will not be in use as the B line (dubbed the Mini Stockade)A� received a make over of late makes for a different ending to this much loved track.

A slightly different finishing section is in store for the riders this year just to keep things interesting.

We know all riders look forward to this track and with so many great vantage points,A� this is one to come watch.A� Lets hope the weather behaves. On that note we will leave you with the course ride, hold on as none other than ‘Claudio Clauori’ takes you down the track…

Images: Jason Stevens Photography. Facebook:A�www.facebook.com/jasonstevensphotographyA�or follow @jasonstevensphotogrpahy on Instagram.

Facebook.com/downhill247
Instagram:A�@downhill247

July 19, 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

SA State Series – Fox Creek

Is it just Fox Creek that makes Mother Nature bring the precipitation, you have to think so... — Is it just Fox Creek that makes Mother Nature bring the precipitation, you have to think so…

Round 4 of the South Australian Insideline downhill series finds us back at Fox Creek for another weekend of wet and wild racing. Leading into the race with weather forecasts looking worse than average a last minute track change was in order to keep riders flowing all weekend!

There was a last minute track change due to the weather.

The locals came out for a look despite the conditions!

Saturday rolled around and found riders all around SA sweeping in to there favorite coffee shops for a morning cuppa before heading out to brave the slick conditions that Patto’s Curse was sure to offer. With plenty of fast off camber, tech switch backs and spectator favorite jumps the track is plenty fun to ride and tested many racers fitness.

There's always fun to be had on Patto's Curse, big jumps, rocky corners and some technical sections, all amplified by the weather. — There’s always fun to be had on Patto’s Curse, big jumps, rocky corners and some technical sections, all amplified by the weather.

Sunday came around and the weather cleared up mid way through morning practice, making track conditions change dramatically and put last minute tyre changes for some racers at the top of the to do list.

It is all about preparation, some riders were dialing their rigs in for the tough conditions and some just didn't care! — It is all about preparation, some riders were dialing their rigs in for the tough conditions and some just didn’t care!

As racing started first up was elite and under 19 seeding, with mostly familiar names at the top of the list race runs were sure not to disappoint! As riders came down cleaner and cleaner it was sure the track had gone from a mess to hero dirt and times kept inching closer to that sub 2 minute mark.

Times kept dropping as the conditions continued to improve.

Elite women came next and Philippa Rostan put in the fastest time of the field, followed closely by Moira Love and Laura Kelly rounding out the podium.A�As the racing was coming into the business end of things under 19s came down the hill, with the crowd getting rowdy and commentators getting more and more excited. Darcy Grooby came down to put down a smoking time of 2.06.93 to put him into the hot seat. Cameron Heading, Henry Hunt and Drew Gartery came down the hill getting close but no cigar, as Darcy Grooby took out another under 19s podium by a considerable margin of 4.6 seconds.

Darcy Grooby took the win in under 19s with a solid ride.

With only the elite men’s field left at the top of the hill racing got underway and saw times dropping considerably. As racing goes some pushed too much and got caught out, while others managed to stay rubber side down and put down quality race runs. Sully Fleming came down and put down a solid run to put him into the hot seat, only to be knocked off by Conor Clancy by less than half a second. With big names left at the top we were sure to see the bar raised and Luke Reynolds was the first to do so sitting himself into the lead with 5 riders left to go. Cam Ryan once again came down on his trail bike and was the first to break the 2 minute mark for the day with a 1.58.44! With everyone waiting for the top seeded rider to come down it was a green light for Angus Maddern as he crossed the line with a smoking time of 1.57.63 to take out the elite men’s field for round 4 at Fox Creek Patto’s Curse.

There were still smiles despite the mud (except for whoever had to do the washing!)

And maybe not for bike mechanics who would be dealing with the aftermath!

Angus Maddern took the win, what a great season he is having and we expect this to continue as the season rolls on.

Our intrepid reporter getting into it, jumps for show and style for dough as they say!

That’s all from me, another quality weekend of fast racing done and dusted (or maybe that should be mudded!). See you next time back at Eagle Mountain Bike Park for round 5 of the Insideline mountain bike downhill series!

See the full results here:A�http://www.insideline.com.au/index.php/results/2014-race-results/race-4-fox-creek-patterson-s-curse-2014

Words Aaron Pelttari (Aaron would like to thanks Monza Imports, Bicycle Express & Bouwmeester Composites). Images in this article from RFPhotographics like them on FacebookA�hereA�or follow on Instagram @rfphotogrpahics

Facebook.com/downhill247
Instagram:A�@downhill247

July 8, 2014

King Of Ballarat – Round 1

James Tamanika tucking into the mud ridden bottom section of the track.

It’s not called Club Mud for nothing. Round 1 of the King of Ballarat was truly a Club Mud event with over 20mm of rain hitting the clay packed Open Cut Trail. Saturday’s unofficial practice was a mixed day, with a number of soles braving the sub 10 degree temps and harsh winds to get on track and work out the fastest and safest lines in the buttery mess that was in some of the sections of the track. With the official sponsor, Trials Bike, running shuttles in the afternoon, riders started to find their lines and put together their runs for the following day.

Last years overall champ Damon Coutts takes the A line Gap as he was looking to hold onto that Number 1 plate.

As the sun set, the rain came with showers through out the night and the early morning. As the track started to fill up with more and more water, the riders started to rethink their lines. Particularly in the flatter sections where keeping your speed meant keeping the mud out of your gearing and drive train, but did nothing for your clothes, helmets and goggles. Key highlights on track would have to be the new top rock garden which now offered riders a choice of 3 lines in this section. This took a few of the riders eye as a lack speed into the gap left a few bent (or broken) rear rims, plus some of the riders just “like it rough”. The new 40 foot table top was not an option as riders used a variance of techniques on both the A and B lines to keep speed into and use the downside to get up through the iconic wall ride and into the bottom section.

Injury hasn't held this guy back. On the bike after 12 months away, Trant Beacom flairs the gap A line on his way to a second place finish in A grade. — Injury hasn’t held this guy back. On the bike after 12 months away, Trant Beacom flairs the gap A line on his way to a second place finish in A grade.

Once racing started, the rain backed off and riders enjoyed the looseness of the track in front of them. The track help up well considering and this is down to the tireless work, done by the Club Mud team lead by President Jason Weston and treasurer (and senior track builder) Graeme Coutts. Trent Piribouer sat in the top spot for both runs, and eventually took the overall in the men’s Elite from an injury returned Trant Beacom, and young pinner Lauchlan Gibson. Tori Bilney braved all the elements to be the only woman rave enough to tackle the track, and take out the women’s Elite. It should also be said that for the first time since… forever, a Coutts rider didn’t make the top 3 but being locals, no doubt all three will be out for revenge come round 2.

'Cause I like it rough!!! — ‘Cause I like it rough!!!

Racing was tight in the other categories too, with Angus Penton (u15’s), Jesse Plumridge (Over 35’s), Brandon Kidd (DGrade), Christopher Richards (CGrade), Liam Thomas (BGrade) all coming away with victories.

Rocky Mountain... More like Muddy Hill! — Rocky Mountain… More like Muddy Hill!

Wet and slippery conditions had riders looking at all the lines, event the illegal ones... Oh Scotty! — Wet and slippery conditions had riders looking at all the lines, event the illegal ones… Oh Scotty!

All in all, people were having fun with over 70+ people attending to race in the very Ballarat-esk Wintery conditions. The event was also extremely well managed as riders got ample runs in practice time before lunch, and racing was proficient in getting riders through both race runs quickly and safely. Big thanks to the Club Mud team for a great start to the series, also thanks to City of Ballarat, Tourisum Ballarat, Major Sponsor TrailsBike.com.au, and Track X for all the support.

The young pinner, Mitchell Tamanika, was fast through the rocks all weekend.

Out from behind the camera for a change, Campbell "CamJam" James tries the off camber before the top rock garden. — Out from behind the camera for a change, Campbell “CamJam” James tries the off camber before the top rock garden.

RESULTS:
Women: Tori Bilney
Under-15: 3rd, Jay Cottrell, 2nd, Adam Treveyan, 1st, Angus Penton
Over-35: 3rd, Andrew Barlow, 2nd, Justin Romanowicz, 1st, Jesse Plumridge
D-grade: 3rd, Jarryd Adaway, 2nd, Jack Reid, 1st, Brandon Kidd
C-grade: 3rd, James Climas, 2nd, Jack Webster, 1st, Christopher Richards
B-grade: 3rd, Hugh Jones, 2nd, Nick Van Lier, 1st, Liam Thomas
A-grade: 3rd, Lachlan Gibson, 2nd, Trant Beacom, 1st, Trent Piribouer

Knolly Knations rider Nick Van Lier gets through the new rock section relatively cleanly.

We will be at round 2, see you then!

Words:A�James Tamanika

Images:A�Harry Harwig (ALH Visual)

Facebook:A�www.facebook.com/downhill247

Instagram:A�@downhill247

July 2, 2014