Friday, November 13, 2009

Gravity 12hr MTB race (Melbourne)

Went down to Melbourne's Apline regions for the annual Garvity 12hr bike race. Basically, the aim of the race is to complete the most number of laps within the 12hrs. I teamed up with a mate; Mihkel and entered as male pair.
Melbournians called it a heatwave that weekend, while me and Mihkel who flew down from Darwin called it great weather.

The day was fairly hot and dry but the nights were still freezing. Above; the guys discussing the pros/cons of hardtail vs a full suspension bike. I'm crap at the downhill sections but always catch up at the uphills.Pre race startThe fairies were out. He was in that outfit with the time trial helmut for most of the whole day!Mihkel before going out on his nightlap.

I was fine the whole day until my nightlap where I took a dive at one of the ditches. Could not see my bike line or path to take as I was going down. Next thing I know, I'm sprawling on the gravel. Just took some bark off the right knee cap.
Some facts:
600+ participants, 250+ teams; 4 male and female cubicles (equates to long q's at the toilet in the morning)
How I fared:
Team name: Mixed Nuts; 148th out of the 250+ teams and rank 19 within the male pair category.
So Mike, I was doing some free promotion with the Shimano Jersey, any luck for me on sponsorship?

3 comments:

Killjoy said...

LOL, just saw ur posting...err sponsorship...i think even national riders here have problem getting sponsorship from them..LOL

AJun said...

There's a few more picts on FB.
No, I didnt think I'd get sponsorship. Will probably need a lot more podium finish for that to happen.
U keen on any MTB enduro or stage races in Aus. Keep you posted if I am doing any.

Next one up is the 160km (road) in Adelaide during the Tour Down Under.

Catty Pants said...

Hey Gerard! So sorry about not meeting up on your last trip to Melbourne. Also, no house to put you up in either!

You caught me in a bad time - homeless and I was also on call.

But never mind, I've got a place now! :)