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Highland fling
Decline in Races - What you said?
I'd like to thank all the commentators on the question I asked and I think the outcomes were pretty clear, which I've trapped here. It looks like the end maybe nigh for the fling (see below):
1. Too Expensive (or not enough value)
2. Too many alternative races and places to ride
3. Not enough promotion particularly to younger age groups
4. Not family orientated enough
5. Making a state based series might get some interest back.
So the primary suggestions to the rider are:
1. Dont sweat and go to club races
2. Plan to ride away with friends
Decline in Races - Why is this happening?
Many will have seen a recent announcement that the Highland Fling maybe following the demise of so many other races with even the Mont and the Kowalski coming to an end this year. I'd be interested in what people think as to why these things are happening. Is it:
1. These races are run for profit and not volunteers and therefore are prone to declines in sponsorship?
2. That people are changing habits and want to do more downhill when these races are marathon by nature?
3. That we're not promoting the sport enough?
4. That the races were just not that enjoyable?
Decline in Races - Why is this happening?
Many will have seen a recent announcement that the Highland Fling maybe following the demise of so many other races with even the Mont and the Kowalski coming to an end this year. I'd be interested in what people think as to why these things are happening. Is it:
1. These races are run for profit and not volunteers and therefore are prone to declines in sponsorship?
2. That people are changing habits and want to do more downhill when these races are marathon by nature?
3. That we're not promoting the sport enough?
4. That the races were just not that enjoyable?
10 down, 10 to go.
A few years ago I decided that doing 20 Flings in a row would be a fun goal to set. At about 10am yesterday I decided I was done, 10 was enough. But I’m pleased to say that by 11:15am I was back on track looking forward to Fling number 11.
This year's Highland Fling: a true hardman's race? What was your take?
The reports are starting to trickle in, and today's race down in Bundanoon was one for the hardmen - and hard women - by the sound of it.
One of the biggest Marathons of the year, the Fling always draws a great field, who this year were joined on the start line by a world tour road pro - bet you are wondering how he went? 
Throw in a whole lot of wet and windy stuff and the recipe looks a treat for those who like to read of adversity, and of overcoming.
If you were down in Bundanoon today we'd love to hear how you went. Why not share in a blog entry linked to our 2013 Highland Fling page. Include your result to get it built into a local leader board and history in your profile.
All the stories are always appreciated by those of us who couldn't make it! 
Better with age...
Three years ago the half fling took me 3:30, 2 years ago 3:15 and last year 3:01. I keep telling my wife some things do get better with age, and this year I was determined to improve again.
Half Fling Profile
Does anyone know roughly how many meters of climbing there is in the half-fling course? I think the full fling is around 2400m or so, I've always assumed the half had about 1200m of climbing.
Highland Fling 2012
Quarry and Ferndale Road, Bundanoon, New South Wales
Round 6 of 2012 XCM Series
2012 is the 8th running of The Briars Highland Fling, Australia's MTB Marathon Championship. The Fling is a mountain bike marathon for all. It offers a scenic and challenging route through forests and farmland in the Southern Highlands of NSW, hammering singletrack, forest tracks, dirt road and less than 2km of blacktop.
Do the Full Fling (approx 110km), the Half Fling (approx 55km), the relay Flinging Threesome or take on the even bigger challenge of the 100Mile Fling
2011 Highland Fling
Quarry and Ferndale Road, Bundanoon, New South Wales
2011 is the year of the Itch, the 7th running of The Briars Highland Fling, Australia's MTB Marathon Championship. The Fling is a mountain bike marathon for all. It offers a scenic and challenging route through forests and farmland in the Southern Highlands of NSW, hammering singletrack, forest tracks, dirt road and less than 2km of blacktop.
Do the Full Fling (approx 110km), the Half Fling (approx 55km), the relay Flinging Threesome or take on the even bigger challenge of the 100Mile Fling
