SA State Series – Fox Creek

Is it just Fox Creek that makes Mother Nature bring the precipitation, you have to think so... — Is it just Fox Creek that makes Mother Nature bring the precipitation, you have to think so…

Round 4 of the South Australian Insideline downhill series finds us back at Fox Creek for another weekend of wet and wild racing. Leading into the race with weather forecasts looking worse than average a last minute track change was in order to keep riders flowing all weekend!

There was a last minute track change due to the weather.

The locals came out for a look despite the conditions!

Saturday rolled around and found riders all around SA sweeping in to there favorite coffee shops for a morning cuppa before heading out to brave the slick conditions that Patto’s Curse was sure to offer. With plenty of fast off camber, tech switch backs and spectator favorite jumps the track is plenty fun to ride and tested many racers fitness.

There's always fun to be had on Patto's Curse, big jumps, rocky corners and some technical sections, all amplified by the weather. — There’s always fun to be had on Patto’s Curse, big jumps, rocky corners and some technical sections, all amplified by the weather.

Sunday came around and the weather cleared up mid way through morning practice, making track conditions change dramatically and put last minute tyre changes for some racers at the top of the to do list.

It is all about preparation, some riders were dialing their rigs in for the tough conditions and some just didn't care! — It is all about preparation, some riders were dialing their rigs in for the tough conditions and some just didn’t care!

As racing started first up was elite and under 19 seeding, with mostly familiar names at the top of the list race runs were sure not to disappoint! As riders came down cleaner and cleaner it was sure the track had gone from a mess to hero dirt and times kept inching closer to that sub 2 minute mark.

Times kept dropping as the conditions continued to improve.

Elite women came next and Philippa Rostan put in the fastest time of the field, followed closely by Moira Love and Laura Kelly rounding out the podium.A�As the racing was coming into the business end of things under 19s came down the hill, with the crowd getting rowdy and commentators getting more and more excited. Darcy Grooby came down to put down a smoking time of 2.06.93 to put him into the hot seat. Cameron Heading, Henry Hunt and Drew Gartery came down the hill getting close but no cigar, as Darcy Grooby took out another under 19s podium by a considerable margin of 4.6 seconds.

With only the elite men’s field left at the top of the hill racing got underway and saw times dropping considerably. As racing goes some pushed too much and got caught out, while others managed to stay rubber side down and put down quality race runs. Sully Fleming came down and put down a solid run to put him into the hot seat, only to be knocked off by Conor Clancy by less than half a second. With big names left at the top we were sure to see the bar raised and Luke Reynolds was the first to do so sitting himself into the lead with 5 riders left to go. Cam Ryan once again came down on his trail bike and was the first to break the 2 minute mark for the day with a 1.58.44! With everyone waiting for the top seeded rider to come down it was a green light for Angus Maddern as he crossed the line with a smoking time of 1.57.63 to take out the elite men’s field for round 4 at Fox Creek Patto’s Curse.

There were still smiles despite the mud (except for whoever had to do the washing!)

And maybe not for bike mechanics who would be dealing with the aftermath!

Angus Maddern took the win, what a great season he is having and we expect this to continue as the season rolls on.

Our intrepid reporter getting into it, jumps for show and style for dough as they say!

That’s all from me, another quality weekend of fast racing done and dusted (or maybe that should be mudded!). See you next time back at Eagle Mountain Bike Park for round 5 of the Insideline mountain bike downhill series!

See the full results here:A�http://www.insideline.com.au/index.php/results/2014-race-results/race-4-fox-creek-patterson-s-curse-2014

Words Aaron Pelttari (Aaron would like to thanks Monza Imports, Bicycle Express & Bouwmeester Composites). Images in this article from RFPhotographics like them on FacebookA�hereA�or follow on Instagram @rfphotogrpahics

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July 8, 2014

SA State Series – Willunga

Willunga has some of the best views going.

We always love going out to Inside Line races in South Australia, they always put on a good show so we were keen for round 1 at the infamous Willunga. This race was using the ‘Kite’ track which got its name after after a club member came into a spot of bother when attempting to fly his kite A�few years ago…

Willunga is always wide open with the wind playing a big part of puzzle when it comes to getting down with a fast time!

The weekend played out well with beautiful weather conditions and even the iconic kite flying wind wasn’t at its full strength. The track itself was much the same as raced previously with a few changes here and there, the bunting made the biggest difference.

With a few storm clouds around it threatened to rain but never really did.

There was a good turn out of racers with plenty of new faces, unfortunately there were also a few gnarly crashes, get well soon everyone! We also noticed that a lot of riders were out on trail type bikes, a growing trend no doubt.

Cam Ryan pulled a 4th place on his 'small bike' in Elite, clearly it didn't hinder him that much! — Cam Ryan pulled a 4th place on his ‘small bike’ in Elite, clearly it didn’t hinder him that much!

Sussing lines and chatting with your mates, an important part of the race experience!

The crowd was also enthusiastic with a range of noise making devices... — The crowd was also enthusiastic with a range of noise making devices…

The plate everyone wants... — The plate everyone wants…

There seemed to be a lot of thorns causing everyone issues!

Racing as always was good, full results can be found on the Inside Line club website. We will just leave you with a few more images from the race.

There was a good crowd lining the track near the bottom drop.

The bunting was wide open and allowed riders plenty of flexible. — The bunting was wide open and allowed riders plenty of flexibility for line choice.

James Chambers took the under 19 victory.

Will Rischbieth took the Elite victory, the spectators had to see more!

See you at the next round!

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April 14, 2014

SA State Series – Race 4 – Fox Pattos

Good old Fox Creek, you never know what you are in for!

Hang on we hear you say, race 4? You just put up race 5 the other day…! Well after some rather inclement weather RoundA� 4 was postponed until after round 5, make sense?! When we heard that Matt Bird Photography would be heading out to the race we threw down a challenge for them, shoot the race on film! So all the warm images you see are from the ‘by-gone’ era of film!

Ah the warm glow of film! Will Badger bursts out of this corner.

Conditions weren’t dry and dusty but they were a big improvement from the weekend the race was cancelled. Pretty standard track at Fox – Pattos Curse for this round, it has some real off camber sections, some really good turns and a big jump into the finish area.

The big jump into the finish area, Tom Matto puts on a show.

The future of the sport, the Under 19 racers, fought it out with the victory going to Matt Taylor, his time of 1.55.23 was also the second fastest time of the day, quite an impressive effort! Racing was super tight in the Elite category with the top 5 separated by less than 1.5 seconds! In the end it was Angus Maddern, who has recently returned from Canada including racing the Mont Sainte Anne World Cup, who took the victory.

Matt Taylor took the Under 19's victory and the second fastest time of the day, super impressive! — Matt Taylor took the Under 19’s victory and the second fastest time of the day, super impressive!

The next raceA�in the series we head back to Fox! This time Long, it is bound to be another good weekend of racing.

Images: https://www.facebook.com/mattbirdmedia

September 6, 2013

SA State Series – Round 1 – Fox Bowl

Downhill racing is back in South Australia!

Insideline is one of the oldest downhill clubs in Australia (and therefore the world?!) and the weekend saw their 19th season/year start at Fox Creek on the bowl track.

Fox Creek is one of the classic race venues on the South Australian calendar.

Weather was good, especially considering how it can be at Fox.

There were some familiar races back from races we have seen across Oz, here is Henry Blake repping in SA.

We understand mate, we understand! It is a tough gig being a photo-g but Kane himself wasn't even sure what was happening at this moment! — We understand mate, we understand! It is a tough gig being a photo-g but Kane wasn’t even sure what was happening at this moment!

The track was very similar to as previously raced with a few tweaks from the trail fairies.

Will Rischbieth is another rider who we have seen across the country this year already.

Matt Taylor keeps his good form in SA going and took the win in Under 19s.

Haha what is going on in this photo?! Oh the captions, we call it the downhill dance!

The results from the weekend are below;

Elite Women:

1. Philippa Rostan 2:45.312

2. Molly Payne 2:54.653

3. Moira Love 3:12.970

4. Sheree Dickinson 3:35.44

Elite Men:

1. Angas Maddern 2:17.190

2. Steve Gebert 2:17.440

3. Will Rischbieth 2:18.520

4. Craig Yates 2:18.920

5. Steve Marsh 2:21.070

Under 19 Men:

1. Matthew Taylor 2:19.380

2. Curtis Dowdell 2:19.770

3. Cody Barker 2:21.110

4. James Chambers 2:21.820

5. Conor Clancy 2:23.730

It was a very happy Angus Maddern who took the win, just from Steve Gebert amongst a strong field. The next race is Willunga, see you there!

Images: Matt Bird and Matt Gibson

April 30, 2013

South Australia – State Championships – Fox Creek

downhill247com 18 SA State Champs12 L — The South Australian State were the perfect event to finish off a fantastic year of racing in South Australia. Luke Reynolds on his way to 12th place.

The last event on the South Australian racing calendar was the 2012 State Championships. The last few ChampionshipsA�have been held at Eagle Mountain Bike Park but this year the race was held at Fox Creek, another local favourite. The track received a few touch ups and was riding well. A new double or wall ride, depending on which option you chose, was waiting for riders just after the triple near the top of the course. Whilst Insideline has been holding races here for years we noticed more and more riders jumping and doubling sections of the track that previously riders were riding over. Evidence of progression in the field no doubt.

downhill247com Sun SA State Champs12 — Conditions were fine on both days, a sharp contrast to the Fox State Series round earlier in the year!

The weather had varied in the weeks leading up to the race but that didn’t deter riders from practicing the track weekends prior, some riders clocking up 20 runs in a day! The weather turned on its best both days with the sun out but not too hot. Favourite for the Elite win was always going to be Connor Fearon, after recently returning from his World Cup campaign peoples eyes were firmly fixed on him. However, to write it off as a foregone conclusion would be crazy, names like Maddern, Marsh, Jenkins, Yates, Blake, Ryan, etc were all capable of pulling out a run to take the crown.

downhill247com Fearon SA State Champs12 3 — Riding on his “Fox” bike, a single crown, trail style dual suspension bike, Connor Fearon was the man to beat, you don’t end up number 34 in the World Cup overall for no reason! The new number 34 looking good next to the new downhill247.com stickers if we don’t say so ourselves!

downhill247com ACR SA State Champs12 — Team ACR are always a force at South Australian races and were looking for a good finish to the local season.

downhill247com Blake SA State Champs12 — Henry Blake is another rider capable of big results, this may have been the last South Australian race but Henry and his Clint White Racing team mates have a busy schedule of VicDH and National races ahead of them.

downhill247com State Champs 12 Jonesy — In fact, with many of the locals returning from the Northern Hemisphere in time for summer it was hard to know just how the race was going to pan out. Photo: Ian Jones

Practice saw plenty of flat tyres as rocks and roots became more exposed, as usual some riders also required attention after coming into contact with said rocks and roots.

downhill247com Gameover SA State Champs12 — Game over! For this front wheel at least, luckily this happened in practice.

downhill247com State Champs 12 Gibson — From the practice session in the morning, until the end of racing, spectators lined the track, just like the riders they were making the most of the conditions. Photo: Matt Gibson

In between the morning practice session and the start of racing was a fancy dress competition and a thank you to all the volunteers that have helped out over the course of the year. After having travelled to countless World Championships, World Cups, Nationals, etc we can safely say, that here in Australia, the vibe and atmosphere at local races is as good as any of these other events!

downhill247com State Champs Rat — Ah what a sight! The fancy dress competition took it to the next level, this rider even had custom pedals to help keep his big paws (?!) on the pedals!

Moving on and it was race time. With 175 entrants racing there was close racing across all the categories butA�as expected seeding for both Under 19’s and EliteA�was tight meaning it was going to be tight come finals.

downhill247com raceprep SA State Champs12 — Chill out or get revved up! Everyone has a different pre race routine.

The Under 19’s kicked off the finals and it was a two horse race between Matt taylor and James Chambers for the win. In the end Matt prevailed by just over 1.5 seconds.

downhill247com Taylor SA State Champs12 — Matt Taylor. 2012 South Australian State Champion after looking fast all weekend. Photo: Matt Gibson

Under 19

1. Matthew Taylor 2.11.77

2. James Chambers 2.13.37 + 1.60

3. Bryce Wing 2.20.44 + 8.67

4. Conor Clancy 2.21.00 + 9.23

5. Sam Keogh 2.25.13 + 13.36

Elite Women saw Jolene Knight continue her blistering form by comprehensively taking the win ahead of Molly Payne. Moving onto the Elite Men and the commentators predicted the winning time would be in the region of 2.10, we would soon find out if they were right!

downhill247com Rim SA State Champs12 — Flat! Flat tyres and crashes took out their fair share of competitors during racing.

Young Cam Ryan rounded out the top 5 with a solid result, series winner Steve Marsh was in 4th, Steve Gebert 3rd and the final two riders on the track took the top 2 positions. After being on the same second in seeding as Angus Madern,A�it was Connor Fearon who was down next, the time to beat and get onto the hot seat held by Steve Gebert was 2.10.78, sure enough Connor came down with a blistering 2.07.97, the commentators couldn’t believe it and the rest of the crowd was pretty impressed. One rider left, Angus Maddern, he came bursting out of the trees and charged to the line, his time; 2.09.07 meant Connor was crowned 2012 State Champ.

downhill247com Maddern SA State Champs12 — A successful return from injury for Angus Maddern who pushed Connor all the way for a deserving second place.

downhill247com Fearon SA State Champs12 2 — 2012 South Australian Elite Mens Champion Connor Fearon.

downhill247com Fearon SA State Champs12 4 — Connor and everyone was happy, it was good to see!

Elite Women:

1. Jolene Knight 2.41.40

2. Molly Payne 2.57.21 + 15.81

3. Julie Harris 3.27.68 + 46.28

4. Moira Love 3.30.85 + 49.45

5. Elsbeth Falster 5.05.71 + 2.24.31

Elite Men

1. Connor Fearon 2.07.97

2. Angus Maddern 2.09.07 + 1.10

3. Steve Gebert 2.10.78 + 2.81

4. Steve Marsh 2.10.98 + 3.01

5. Cam Ryan 2.13.11 + 5.14

That wraps up another successful season, bring on 2013!

October 16, 2012

South Australian State Series – Race 6 – Willunga

downhill247com Willunga 12 — Willunga is an old favourite on the South Australian racing calendar and held a national round many years ago! Photo: Matt Bird Photography

This year the sixth and final race of the SRAM South Australian state series were held at Willunga.A� A venue that is a permanent fixture on the calendar, Willunga is known for being the fastest most open track of the year. Top speeds reach around 50km/h, the complete absence of trees to shield riders from the wind and the abundance of rocks hiding in the grass makes this track tough on riders and bikes alike.A� Much to riders surprise and delight a track that was raced in the late 90a��s was resurrected, and tuned to suit modern DH standards, was used.

The track used was an old track but albeit retuned for the race, some riders chose to really send this kicker, it was up to each rider. Photo: Matt Bird Photography

Going into this race the Elite men’s series was wide open with the top two contenders, Steve Gebert and Ngari Jenkins separated by 2 points (subjectively as it is a drop-a-round series).A� No surprise both riders were going for it, even in qualifications, where Steve qualified 1^st and netted 15 points and Ngari flatted taking home 0 points and a large section of bunting.

In under 17a��s Callum Morrison completed a clean sweep of the series with his 6^th race win from 6 rounds, he was reportedly disappointed with his run (that would have qualified him 3^rd in Elites) and later that day went on to make amends in his un-official u 19a��s run setting overall the second quickest time of the day.A� He was followed by Cody Barker in 2^nd and Hayden Vanderwolff in 3^rd.

The u 19a��s series had already been decided before this round but that didna��t slow any of the riders down, series winner James Chambers came 2^nd, Jake Adams 3^rd with top honours going to Matt Taylor.

Overall Under 19’s Men winner James Chambers setting up for a turn. Photo: Matt Bird

Elite women was a shootout between Molly Payne and Jolene Knight, both of which having problems in their race run.A� Jolene flatted half way down the course and managed to ride it out, Molly had a bad crash in a rock garden but got back up to finish her run, unfortunately not fast enough and Jolene took the win and the series.

downhill247com Willunga 12 4 — A return to racing for Angus Maddern after a lay off due to surgery

Elite Mena��s was a tough race with most riders going a lot faster in their final run, 5^th place went to Angus Maddern, it was great to have Angus back as this was his first race back from shoulder surgery and he showed that he hasna��t lost any of his pace or style.A� In 4^th place Steve Gebert, not a win but a good run.A� Bronze and silver went to Giant riders Craig Yates and Cameron Ryan respectively, the younger displaying supreme confidence gapping into the final chute where most other riders were on the brakes.A� But fastest time of the day, ultimate bragging rights and a gold medal went to Steve Marsh, this capping off a successful return to racing for the club legend. Steve walks away with the overall series too, this made Steve one happy camper and a deserving winner, Steve was consistent all season long.

With the State Series finished there is still one more South Australian race this year, the State Championships

The amazing weather also played a part in making it a successful and enjoyable weekend for all, and an excellent prelude to state titles which will be held 13^th and 14^th of October at Fox Creek.A� With 6 different winners from 6 rounds ita��s any ones guess who will be crowned state champion in 2012.

September 13, 2012