Have you noticed how our fearless Mountain Biking friends seem to be doing rather well at road racing these days? While it really is great to have them race with us (even though they’re hopeless at calling out potholes under 2 metres in size, and insist on bunny hopping over fallen branches), they are starting to show us up a bit at times complete with baggy shorts and funny shirts. Well now it’s time to play them at their own game. They’ve organised a cracking MTB race on 30th October right here in Armidale which will appeal to every roadie in town, it’s long (50km or 100km) and on a fast and relatively smooth track (no rocks to crash over or canyons to jump across).
It’s all part of the wider EvoCities program to encourage people to come and visit our regional cities. Cash prizes for winners are pretty hefty and an added incentive for the fastest out there. The day prior is Day on the Green at Petersons Winery so it should also appeal to anyone outside Armidale who might want to visit for the weekend and do both events or bring the whole family. Free Camping is also available.
In their opinion, the ideal candidate for this race is a roadie who wants to have a go at MTB or has done some MTB riding before but isn’t so confident on the rougher tracks. The track for this race is all the smoother tracks at Piney and includes a lot of walking tracks not usually allowed on the city side of the creek at the Piney plus the fast smooth stuff over the backside (Big Dogs Den).
The basic format is 6 x 16km laps for the 100km race although there is also a 50km option and both can be entered in Solo, Pairs or Team format. Entry is $40 solo or $60 pairs / teams. Entrants need an MTB license but day licences are available for $25 or anyone can use the 8 week free trial option from MTB Australia.
It sounds like a lot of fun and something everyone in the club should be able to do so mark it in your calendars now and start to plan your Roadies Revenge. There’s more information on the New England Mountain Bikers site, and when you’re ready, you can register online at the Mountain Bike Australia site.