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.
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. 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. 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.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. EE.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.
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.
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.
