Tag Archives: PMBC

Superwestige Round 3

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The only Cyclocross racing in the west is back!

Inspired by the hardcore winter racing all around the world, Greg has developed a uniquely Aussie track to be raced as the state championships on the 18th of August at Garvey Park Belmont.

Cyclocross is a mixture of road and mountain bike racing, incorporating obstacles which must be dismounted and run past, and fast open sections. The courses are excellent for spectators, and you’ll be able to see the whole race from the comfort of your camping chair, not to mention getting some beers and cowbells out to cheer or heckle.

The elite and support categories are restricted to those riding a Cyclocross bike. That means drop bars, and tyres no wider than 35mm. Yes, that means your road bike is also a cyclocross bike! All the courses will be able to be ridden on a road bike, although perhaps not as fast as on a specialist machine. Dont have a cross bike? Never fear, bring you mountain bike down and race a dirt crit in the open class.

If you have a Cycling Australia Licence, please email Greg Murison – gr.murison@gmail.com with details and what grade you would like to race, and I will allocate you a number based on you showing me your licence on the day. You do not need to buy a day licence if you are registered with Cycling Australia.

This race is the final race of the Superwestige season, and doubles as the state championships.

Registration – racing from 1400

Here are some highlights from Round 2 to whet the taste buds

Superwestige Round 1

The only Cyclocross racing in the west is back!

1400 this Sunday (Jun 16th) at Success Hill Reserve, Bassendean.

Inspired by the hardcore winter racing all around the world, we’ve shifted to winter and found 3 great venues, culminating in a uniquely aussie track to be raced as the state championships on the 18th of August.

Cyclocross is a mixture of road and mountain bike racing, incorporating obstacles which must be dismounted and run past, and fast open sections. The courses are excellent for spectators, and you’ll be able to see the whole race from the comfort of your camping chair, not to mention.

The elite and support categories are restricted to those riding a Cyclocross bike. That means drop bars, and tyres no wider than 35mm. Yes, that means your road bike is also a cyclocross bike! All the courses will be able to be ridden on a road bike, although perhaps not as fast as on a specialist machine. Dont have a cross bike? Never fear, Focus Bikes have stepped on board as a sponsor and will have some demo bikes at the races for you to try, and the open class can be raced on your mountain bike.

If you have a Cycling Australia Licence, please email me gr.murison@gmail.com with details and what grade you would like to race, and I will allocate you a number based on you showing me your licence on the day. You do not need to buy a day licence if you are registered with Cycling Australia.

This race is the first race of the Superwestige season, and will be followed in July by the race in Bardon Park Maylands, and in August with the state championships at Garvey Park, Belmont.

Entries here
https://www.registernow.com.au/mtba/ERegister.aspx?E=1535

Perth MTB Club Announces Winter Cyclocross

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The Midvale speed dome and Perth Mountain Bike Club will play host to the second round of the Focus Bikes Wintercross on Saturday the 8th of September from 3pm. With both red hot competition, and plenty of fun to be had in all grades, there are plenty of reasons to come down to the speed dome and see what we’ve got planned.

 For just $10, you’ll get to experience a great afternoon of racing, heckling, cheering or pedalling whatever you choose. See the video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2DZeLk5s20&feature=youtube_gdata_player) for what to expect.

 For this round, we’ll also be running the Minicross kids race (suitable for 9years and up), as well as Ladies, C, B and A grades. Focus Bikes are generously providing lots of prizes too, so get out there and see if you can bag some schwag!

 The course is designed to be friendly for road bikes, mtb’s, hybrids or whatever you have, although if you have a cyclocross bike, this is your chance to get it out and show it off.

 You can wear cycling attire, fancy dress or what your mum dressed you in, whichever makes you faster or happier. If you’re planning on taking part or making one of your nearest and dearest do so then you will need to bring a competition license (you can use your CA, MTBA or BMXA accreditation).

 It’ll be a great afternoon with a BBQ and drinks being held afterwards so you can share stories of your race with fellow competitors and spectators. We’ll also be saying farewell to WA CX stalwarts Claire and Paul Aubrey, who are leaving for wetter, colder pastures in Canberra.

 Perth MTB Club are particularly keen to get more girls racing so don’t be shy, there are plenty of other ladies to swap your stories with and there is certainly nothing to be afraid of.

 Many bike shops are willing to help you with an affordable cross bike and races have riders in them from all skill levels, including plenty of people giving it a go for the first time. Organisers Greg and Paul are offering to answer any questions or even help with some practice so don’t hesitate to get in touch with them at gr.murison@gmail.com.

 They will also be running a CX skills clinic on Saturday 1 September at 3pm at the speed dome if you’re not sure about what to do. Bookings are essential.

For those thinking of riding the BWA ‘Hell of the north’ this would be great practice in a controlled environment.

PMBC and Avanti Plus Cannington – State XCO Round 4

We are now well and truly into the XCO racing calendar, but don’t stress this is a great beginners course. The perfect opportunity to dip your toe in the water and give MTB racing a go. With minimal elevation this track is designed to be fast and fun. With recent trail maintenance and some minor upgrades, this race will be a lot of fun for new and seasoned riders. Get on board and come give it a go. Hope to see some of you there representing SPR.

Enter off “Freemans Road” (not Bandicoots road).
REMEMBER THERE IS NO PARKING ON FREEMANS ROAD, THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.
The race is NOT based out of the Marrinup camp ground as it previously has been.
Race parking is on the old Golf course.
Race village, registration and start/finish are all based off the golf course.
2 toilets will be on site on the golf course so you won’t have to go back to the camp grounds.

A massive thankyou to DEC and the Murray Districts Carriage Driving Club (horse and carriage that is) for allowing us to use this area.

Entries

Entries are open and can be found here and closes at 8 PM on Thursday 24 May 2012
The race entries are $15.00 for juniors and $20.00 for seniors. If you don’t already have 1 there will also be a $5 plate fee. There is a $20 late fee for entering on the day (NO Exceptions).

Race Numbers

This $5.00 goes directly to WAMBA to fund projects like trail advocacy, legalizing and signing trails.
The number you purchase for this first race is your number for the whole season. You keep this number and bring it to each PMBC race from here on. Points are allocated based on THIS number, please do not forget to take it to the next PMBC races.

U9 and U13’s

Entries for Under 13’s are online for members only. If you are an Under 9 or Under 13 and not a PMBC or MTBA member then please enter on the day, as the day licence is only $5 on the day (and $20 online) and there is no entry cost for these classes. (Please note: there is a one off $5 plate fee).

Race Directions

Use Google maps to make your way there. Just drop these co-ordinates into the search box. ( -32.694884,116.032705)

Enter off “Freemans Road” (not Bandicoots road).
REMEMBER THERE IS NO PARKING ON FREEMANS ROAD, THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.

Race Distances

Even though the UCI and MTBA rules have changed, the race times will remain basically the same as they always have been for our PMBC races. Race times, laps and start times will be listed below. Race Day Schedule;   *Times may change depending on conditions on the day
Registration = 0800 to 0900 (collect race numbers)
U9 and U13 start = 9000
U9 and U13 presentations = 0930
First wave start = 0940
Second wave start = 1100
Presentations = 1330  (or a bit earlier if possible)

Also Avanti Plus Cannington will be running a demo day on all the Avanti & Scott range. SO if your in the market for a new ride or just want to try something different follow the link for more details.

Further info.

PMBC Presents Barry’s Block – Cycletrek Mountain Biking State XCO Round 3

With the 1st two races of the season out of the way we are almost reaching mid season, but don’t stress there is still a chance for you to race and get amongst the points. So get out there and show the club colours.

For those who have raced here before there have been a few changes to previous races. There are 4 new sections of trail, with an additional overtaking (fire road) section. The start/finish has been relocated to our camp ground area, all races will have 1 short lap in the respective race.The race track has been extended to around 6.4k, but still incorporating the tight single track, rock gardens and not forgetting ” over the edge” with an additional jump. It will be a challenge for the 29ers. The track will be open all day for practice on the 12th (Sat),but if the desire is there, the track is open all the time (coopers pale ale or a good red is the bribe).

Parking arrangements are also a little different, it will be a lot easier if people parked further up the fenceline as the start/finish line will be easily accessible (500m walk) but signs will show you the way.

For forest hygiene purposes, if it has rained by then (hopefully), riders MUST ensure their bikes are clean (dont forget under saddle and bottom bracket).

MUDDY BIKES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ENTRY TO THE PROPERTY.

PLEASE WASH YOU BIKE AS BEST AS YOU CAN AFTER PEMBERTON, WE WILL BE SUPPLYING A TROUGH WITH DISINFECTANT, PRIOR TO ENTERING THE FOREST, IT IS IMPORTANT TO USE THIS TO STOP THE SPREAD OF DIEBACK, THANK YOU.

The local store has closed down, so no food, grog or fuel is available. We will operate a mini cafe “the Coffee Rock Cafe”, supplying tea/ coffee / cool drinks / hot home made soup / muffins etc.

Mud map attached for directions – or www.cycletrek.com.au

Entries

Entries are open and can be found here.
The race entries are $15.00 for juniors and $20.00 for seniors. If you don’t already have 1 there will also be a $5 plate fee. There is a $20 late fee for entering on the day (NO Exceptions).

Race Numbers

This $5.00 goes directly to WAMBA to fund projects like trail advocacy, legalizing and signing trails.
The number you purchase for this first race is your number for the whole season. You keep this number and bring it to each PMBC race from here on. Points are allocated based on THIS number, please do not forget to take it to the next PMBC races.

U9 and U13’s

Entries for Under 13’s are online for members only. If you are an Under 9 or Under 13 and not a PMBC or MTBA member then please enter on the day, as the day licence is only $5 on the day (and $20 online) and there is no entry cost for these classes. (Please note: there is a one off $5 plate fee).

Race Directions

Use Google maps to make your way there – details found here: http://www.cycletrek.com.au/contact-us/

Race Distances

Even though the UCI and MTBA rules have changed, the race times will remain basically the same as they always have been for our PMBC races. Race times, laps and start times will be listed below. Race Day Schedule;   *Times may change depending on conditions on the day
Registration = 0900 to 1000 (collect race numbers)
U9 and U13 start = 1000
U9 and U13 presentations = 1030
First wave start = 1040
Second wave start = 1200
Presentations = 1430  (or a bit earlier if possible)

Further info.

Sweat & Sand Cyclocross – Claremont Showgrounds

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Perth Mountain Bike Club hosted WA’s inaugural cyclocross race last Saturday. The venue was a novel one, Claremont Showgrounds and the course design showed some imagination. It took in some grass, some asphalt, drains, driveways, gutters and a couple of traditional cyclocross barriers and man-made water feature (sprinkler…). Oh and it was hot. Somewhere in the order of 34 degrees or more.
I think there was about thirty punters in the end on a smattering of actual ‘cross bikes, roadies and mountain bikes. I was amazed at how many ‘cross bikes there were actually… where do they normally get ridden? Never see them out on the trails! My ‘cross steed functions as my commuter so I was well equipped except for my slick tyres. I was pretty sure I wouldn’t be bunny-hoping the barriers like some during practice though!
A short and sharp effort would be the order of the day in C grade with fellow SPR alumni’s Scott and Morrison. Morrison was on a roadie and Fairy also gave his roadie it’s first outing since God only knows when!
First lap or so was people spreading out and getting comfortable. Morrison was up there going well but perhap finding the corners tricky on the skinny tyres. A SWCC rider was going well too. When two riders binned it before the barriers on one lap I was dirty that I wasn’t ready for it and couldn’t take full advantage. Lesson learned and I was unclipped early before the obstacles after that. It wasnt long before PMBC racer Ms McAllum went to the front. I stayed with her for a bit before sliding past and having a go out in front. Was fun for bit before I muffed getting clipped in after the short uphill pinch obstacle and Mr SWCC and Morrison passed me. Not long after another rider came through and I was cooked. I thought I might catch him again on the flat grass sections but couldn’t quite get there. As it was I was lucky to hold fourth and not get chicked by Simone who had not dropped too far back. Mr SWCC had streaked away for the win with Morrison second.
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to hang about till the other grades were completed but SPR moonlighter Uppers managed 4th in A grade (and the first on a roadie) and by all accounts appeared to have enjoyed himself!
I had a ball and I’m really hoping that PMBC use this course (or something similar) again. It’s definitely something different and a novel style of racing (at least in Oz). Mad props to Greg and Paul from PMBC for organising and running it. I hear the second and third races are on the cards but not till January and probably using the Garvey Park dirt crit course. (Which I don’t mind but prefer this Claremont layout).

Results can be found here.

I had some footage of the race but my camera was pointed too far down so it wasn’t very interesting.  FAIL.  Must try harder. However some other footage from the race organisers can be found here.

Cheers,
Dave

Dirt Crits

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Welcome to the Garvey Park Dirt Crit Series, Hosted by PMBC.

Firstly, a dirt crit is a combination of a cyclo-cross race – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqzgbJS8Fs4&feature=related and a criterium road race. The course is very much shorter than a conventional XC mountain bike race and in many ways less technical. To make up for this, and as an extra dimension, the race is to be run under twilight/night conditions. Therefore bring your lights, (and start eating lots of carrots).

The City of Belmont have been very supportive in granting approval to use the grounds at Garvey Park to host the first series of this kind in the Perth metropolitan area. This is a trial series to gauge the viability and it is hoped future races will be run throughout the year pending further approval and consideration from the City of Belmont.

Importantly, there are a number of conditions the City of Belmont request us to adhere to and they are reproduced below. An announcement will be made prior to each race starting to remind you of these rules.

1) Don’t litter
2) Use lights both front and rear
3) Be courteous to other park users
4) Use the die-back disinfectant trough for your bike and shoes prior to racing

The Race format

Firstly the dates: Tuesday evenings 12/10, 19/10, 26/10, 2/11, 9/11, 16/11 6:30pm registration opens for a 7pm start.

This race is intended to be simple and straight forward and it requires a little patience and co-operation, especially during this trial series as we get up to speed with a normal routine. To spell out the subtle reading between the lines – this type of thing has never been attempted before in Perth and it is unknown how the mountain biking community will take to the race (there could be 300 people turn up and we’ll be racing until 10pm or nobody will show up and I’ll have a ride around the park by myself).

Here’s the plan…

Turn up at Garvey Park with all the following items as a minimum:
1) MTBA Race licence (if you have one),
2) Lights front and rear,
3) Helmet
4) Bike
5) $5 entry (and $15 for a day licence if you aren’t a member of the MTBA)
6) Enthusiasm.

In addition to the ample car parking, it is worth pointing out there is good bike path access to the park if you want to turn the race into a good training exercise. We are currently in negotiations to acquire some demo/loan lights for this series. Stay tuned for more details.

Registration will be open at 6:30pm and you will be required to take your bike and shoes through a specially made disinfectant trough to prevent Die-Back. The races will be split into 4 separate categories which you self select from A, B, C and, if required, D. There is no scientific formula for working out your category and by all means you can move up or down if necessary. Ladies can choose category where they will be competitive. Here is a guide…

A – for those that race Elite or Expert cross country races and other equally competitive forms of cycling,
B – for those that race Sport in cross country races and are fairly competitive cyclists from other disciplines of cycling and are new to mountain biking. Also Elite/Expert women if they wish.
C – for those that love cycling, and for one reason or another, don’t get out on the bike enough but would want to escape the many routines of life and have a race,
D – for those novice riders who have never raced before or, if needed, to further segregate the above categories.

The entry fee is $5 for those who are MTBA members and an extra $15 for a day licence for those that are not. This is for insurance purposes.

The course will be approximately 2-3km in length and will be varied each race to add variety and limit excessive damage to the grounds.

The racing will start at 7pm with A grade. After they have completed one lap, B grade will start their race and after B grade have completed their first lap C (and D) will start.

A grade will complete 5 or 6 laps (approx 45 mins), B grade 4 or 5 laps (approx 35 mins) and C grade 3 or 4 laps (approx 25 mins) with all categories all finishing on the same lap.

To repeat, this format may change throughout the series if a better system works.

After the race, there will be fury of activity to organise some race results and a modest prize presentation before you can be on with your usual activities for a Tuesday night in Perth.

Lights & Prizes

Nathan from SC Imports has loaned us four sets of Nite Lights as demo lights for people without their own.

Send an email to Greg – gr.murison@gmail.com to book them for next weeks race. First come, first served. Priority the next week will be given to those who miss out this week and so on.

Secondly, Armadale Cycles have generously agreed to support the Series with random prizes. These will be given away after the last race on 16th November. For each race you do, you’ll get a raffle ticket, so the more races you do, the more chances you have to win.

Busy Bee

Finally, we will be having a busy bee at Garvey Park this Sunday from 9am. If you want to come down and help us out with a little bit of track marking and maintenance, it would be appreciated, and you’ll get to see the track.

It would be great if SPR could get a few riders along to support this event and make it a regular occurance.