We were super keen to return to Ourimbah in 2016 for another round of Rocky Trail's Shimano Grand Prix. The 2015 event had seen our good effort rewarded with a No.1 on the podium and I was frothing to do it again.
Being part of the JetBlack MTB Racing team is incredibly motivating and from the start whistle I could see team mates up ahead, team mates I wanted to follow into the single-track. I slipped onto the back wheel of Grant Shaw for the starting portion of trail, Grant was riding in a fast team of three for the 7hr and was a good wheel to follow.
It was incredibly cold, southerly winds had brought snow chilled air to many parts of NSW and Ourimbah it was no exception. Had our Gound Effect jacket on as not to freeze.
Grant had worked hard on the initial section of the lap and he eased up over a climb. We took this moment to pass Grant, setting about to catch the next group in front. In this next section of single track we came across an unusual event, all-round shredder Kramer having an issue on a short down-hill section.
It was during the first couple of laps we were surprised to catch a couple of seasoned endurance riders, which gave the inkling someone was riding to hard. But it was so fun to ride at this pace we just pushed on, crossing our fingers it was sustainable for the 4hrs.
Ourimbah is a trail-riders dream, sweeping and short punchy climbs followed by fun rough descents, many of which seem un-proportionally long. It is rocky in sections, loamy in others, Ourimbah is a bonanza of mountain biking goodness.
When team mate Tom Morwood came whooping up behind us, our spirits lifted, just as there was a feeling of some fatigue. A few friendly words really helps out when all focus is on tearing up the trail. The same went for team mate Simon Ballard some time later, except this time all our biscuits were spent and we were about to start digging. It is so hard to see your team ride away at the pace you want to be going.
Another successful event run by Rocky Trail, no gripes here, everyone was super polite and there was plenty of rush and two-wheeled drift for an endurance event. We finished 4th, our best GP result this year. Thanks to JetBlack MTB Racing team for the friendly atmosphere, on-trail support and transition expertise. We have awesome sponsors, check them out! The team was well represented across all categories and delivered some top results on the day. You'll see us at the final Grand Prix if not before!
Being part of the JetBlack MTB Racing team is incredibly motivating and from the start whistle I could see team mates up ahead, team mates I wanted to follow into the single-track. I slipped onto the back wheel of Grant Shaw for the starting portion of trail, Grant was riding in a fast team of three for the 7hr and was a good wheel to follow.
It was incredibly cold, southerly winds had brought snow chilled air to many parts of NSW and Ourimbah it was no exception. Had our Gound Effect jacket on as not to freeze.
 |
| Keeping warm. Photo: Outer Image |
It was during the first couple of laps we were surprised to catch a couple of seasoned endurance riders, which gave the inkling someone was riding to hard. But it was so fun to ride at this pace we just pushed on, crossing our fingers it was sustainable for the 4hrs.
 |
| On the rivet. Outer Image |
When team mate Tom Morwood came whooping up behind us, our spirits lifted, just as there was a feeling of some fatigue. A few friendly words really helps out when all focus is on tearing up the trail. The same went for team mate Simon Ballard some time later, except this time all our biscuits were spent and we were about to start digging. It is so hard to see your team ride away at the pace you want to be going.
 |
| Working hard to maintain position. Photo: Outer Image |
No comments:
Post a Comment