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First Rock Wallaby
What a great race, at a great course, attended by great people.
I've done a few chocfoot enduro's and have never been disappointed with their set up and this was no exception. The course was a really good mix of fire trail, flowing sniggle and technical climbs/descents.
My race started at a quick pace and stayed reasonably fast for the duration. The first few k's weeded out the guys who had self seeded too close to the front and then I settled into a good rhythm with a couple of other guys. They where both on duallys and I found it difficult on my HT to keep up with them on a few technical sections. Then came a fire trail climb that wasn't steep but did seem to drag on for a while, this is where I took my chance and went past them. For the rest of the race I managed to gain places on most climbs, no climb was particularly long or steep but the HT climbs brilliantly. I thought my choice of tyre may have let me down, but once again, Crossmarks front and back where perfect (I've not found a trail in Sydney that they don't work on).
All in all, I'm really happy with my result. It just goes to show that a bit of training, a bit of confidence and probably a bit of luck, even an entry level bike is good enough to get a reasonable result.
I have one observation though: If the guys who are in the top 5 of the Open Male category are doing the same lap times as the Elites, shouldn't they be in the Elite category?
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Maybe they wanted to add some trohpies to their collection.
Awesome work on your virgin Rock Wallaby. I picked you at the start for a top 15 finish and you didn't disappoint... 13th from 63 on a HT is tops. I reckon with a dully under your belt you'd smash the top ten and beyond
Cheers Andy, your result was excellent as well.
Not sure about a dually, I think a 29" HT will be next on the cards.
What race are we doing next?
If they're sponsored, then they should be in elites.
If they podiumed the race last year, they should be in elites.
If they're over 40, then I wouldn't say they should be in elites.
Everyone's entitled to podium, and if they haven't done that yet then you can't deny them the chance.
That's just my view.
Well done on completing it in a HT 26er!
That sounds like a fair ruling to me.
I've edited my first post to remove the word "whinge" as I don't want that to be the thing everyone focus' on.
I had a great race and I'm more than happy with my result - there's life in the 26"HT's yet!
I'm a 43 year old ex smoker, I won my last western Sydney xc race by a good distance and caught up with half the A grade field who had a minute start on me. I certainly wouldn't call myself an elite rider but there's a definate grey area in-between good sport/B grade riders and the back end of the A grade field!
Feeling even stronger after 5 weeks in Alice and heaps of racing under my belt.
Can't wait to get back to Sydney and see how I go in a few A grade xc races.
I certainly won't be at the pointy end of A grade but I'll enjoy the extra lap and pain!
Yeah mate, you're smoking it at the moment. You deserve every place/trophy/podium you get. I only hope I'm that quick at your age!
I know you'll kill me in any race we do together, especially the longer distance ones.
Got any xc races planned?
Are you doing the Marathon champs?
A complete hijack on your post!!
No worries with the hijack, it's gods to hear others view on choosing what grade to go in.
Sounds like you're going well, Gazza. Good luck in your next race.
i cant make marathon champs. would have liked to, but cant get down there in time.
my bike will be finally reassembled this week after a strip down after dirtworks, so im on the lookout for a club round somewhere. let me know if you hear of anything.