On a warm, sunny weekend 128 riders made it to Ourimbah to continue the RedAss DH series 2013. After some recent changes which cut out the infamous flat section, a fast, dusty trail was going to be a test of stamina for everyone. Many riders chose to ride shorter-travel bikes, including Elite Men’s fastest (by nearly 10 seconds) Brad Kelly. After a nasty crash, David Sharp was tended to and airlifted from the trail. After a welcome delay, and with Sharpy in mind racing continued smoothly; read on…
Ben Staggs (u19) warming up with some practice runs Sunday morning. Dry weather leading up to the race meant dust. Lots of dust.Harry Parsons holding speed into the lower berm sections. During racing racers were getting pretty tired by this stage; breathing heavy through the dust. Harry took the U15s title with a nice 5 second margin.
The dry, dusty trail held surprises for a few riders. Combine this with race speed, and well, here’s a likely fate.An annual visit on the State calendar, and the home of Rocky Trail Entertainment, Ourimbah is well known for its superb trail construction and varying features. All we need is the numbers of riders to make these events truly shine.Andrew Crimmins (1) soaring through the lower rock garden, and looking fast through a section that had riders divided for line choice. Crimmins finished 3rd, following Josh Button and Brad Kelly.
Ourimbah legend Brad Kelly went rough on the XC / Trail bike, but it paid off with a time of 3:15:31 – 9.93 ahead of 2nd Place Josh Button.This time of year brings warmer weather, cool breezes and good sunny days. Perfect weather for mountain biking, so make the most of it and get out there! Here Wayne Froggatt sends his way to first place in Masters.The hecklers were out in force in the spirit of Crankworx. ‘Hecklers Corner’ grew infamous as the crowd got rowdy, but it was all with good intention, adding to the hype of racing. Or maybe it’s just time to start practicing for World’s in Cairns next year? We’ll let you decide.
September 28 & 29 will be the NSW State Downhill Championships, held at Lithgow and run by Rocky Trail Entertainment. We’ll see you there.
