Dicko's blog

In memory of one of the great mountain bikers James Williamson the 3rd ‘Willo’ MTB race was held last weekend.

I have always wanted to ride this event, as it is for a great cause and in memory of a great rider, but have never managed to make it due to other commitments bad weather etc.

Scott 24Hr - Jet Masters

To follow on from Ant's report, the older constabulary of Jet Racing also had a fantastic time, great success, and the building on some new friendships that make these events something a little different then a marathon or individual event.

Our team was formed from a group of us that have over the last 12 mths come together through racing each other competitively over the marathon season. This was something different, this time all of us would be working together for a common result.

Our team included:
Paul (Slowman) Sloan
Steve (The Black) Knight

After some arm twisting by Sloany, I picked up my entry for the Circus. I love the Wingello trails, but have yet to do this event - something about the cold Southern Highlands in the middle of winter.

Anyway I find myself of the start line, with probably the biggest Jet Racing contingent we have seen to date, the front row dominated by the red Jet uniform. The difference with this race, was that the vibe was alot more relaxed, everyone looking for a good day out, on some of the best trails in the State. Hugh's pre event startline banter also adds to the relaxed nature.

Great day out, again weather was very kind for this one, and the track had dried out to perfection.

Well organised club day as usual - thank guys.

Track was in great condition, and the extra track additions to bring it up to 8.5 - 9km make it worth the drive - well done track builders.

Pretty happy with this result, but had to work pretty hard for it. I think I am definitely cut out for the enduro style, as putting out very consistent medium / fast laps has you catching the fast guys in the 3rd and 4th hour. much harder to catch them in the shorter 1-1.5 hour format.

After some great results already this year, I had set my sights on he Husky to go one better and hopefully get myself on the podium for my category. With the help of the Jet Racing team, training was good and I felt like I had done everything I could for the race. My plan was simple, stay on the wheel of Jason McAvoy  (No 1 rider in Masters) and trust my fitness to get me to the end of the race.

After a good pre race warmup, we made our way to the race briefing. With some promising news that all creek crossings were rideable, 
I thought great - this is not going to be like last year.

Great day for a mtb race. weather turned it on for us today.

A little slippery, but great fun.

Havent ridden Awaba in ages.

This race was not really in my plans, but given my recent results and managing to avoid any sickness so far this year, I thought I would give this a go. You never know when you will get another chance right ?

My plans were to get down to Canberra and do a pre-ride of the course the Sunday before, but with all the rain this never happened. So I found myself not really knowing what to expect course wise, but from reports of other riders, and previous knowledge of riding Stromlo - I knew 80km + out here was going to be a hard day out.

3 Marathons in 3 weeks is what I was thinking in the week leading up to this race. I would have to say the body was beginning to feel the rigour from the previous 2 weeks. After a warm up ride on the Wednesday preceeding the race I was confident I was strong and ready for the weekend. I was also motivated from my results in the two first rounds.

Convict 100 - bring it on !

Capital Punishment 2012 - XCM Series Round 2

Last time I raced this event was back in 2010. This inaugral event was a complete disaster - a mudfest in cold / freezing conditions.
I was glad to finish that event, let alone be competitive and had no thoughts of doing it again after that first experience.

Saturday morning April 2012, I find myself on the same start line once again. This time couldn't be more of a contrast to the last time.
We were blessed with a balmy 7-8 degrees, clear skies, dry tracks and not a drop of rain in sight. This must be a good sign I thought.

Wombat 100

Originally hadn't planned to do his race, but when it got included as part of the XCM series and Brian had already sorted accommodation - I thought what the heck.

Great location for a MTB event, with a great combination of single track and fire road which made the course challenging and interesting. The Single track is awesome with a combination of some plantation pine forest and rugged Australian native bushland.