mtbv

8 Mar 09 Round 5 VSS 2008/2009, Albury-Wodonga

Club – Albury Wodonga Mountain Bikers

Riders 119, bolstered by a strong turn up by AWMTB members.

A cool but fine morning on Nail Can Hill greeted those out for an 8am practice lap.

Was interesting to observe how AWMTB marshaled the two main races, enabling everyone to have a race. Using the categories, to alternate who was racing and who was marshaling.

Not sure about the 11:30 start for the second race, it warmed up quite a bit during the second race, compared to the first, which had an 9am start.

Well I can’t argue with the hospitality and organization of this race, an excellent job.

What really made a difference I believe, is what goes on before the race day, planning might be the best word. This results in plenty of information available online beforehand, like:
- Online pre-race registration;
- Course map and profile;
- Categories and expected race times;
- Event schedule.

Having pre-registered, it was very impressive to turn up on the day and be handed a “race pack”, which included race number, ties and event information about the day and other forthcoming events.

Would have been helpful to have colour coded race numbers by category. Very handy being able to now if the rider up ahead is in your category or not, and a quick glance behind to know an Elite racer is approaching.

The track itself, other than being a bit rocky in parts, was a nice XC trail. Some nice fire road climbs, linking together some nice XC downhill’s, that didn’t require 12 inches of travel.

Many thanks to the Albury Bicycle Super Store and the Schilg family, who provided me with a tyre and tube that enabled me to start. Greatly appreciated. Mental note to self; if some one is kind enough to lend you a brand new tyre so you can race, and the tyre is directional, and you put it on the front, remember to put it on in the correct direction, otherwise you will have some interesting behavior in corners.

Good to have staged starts, and sent of in an order that does not have one category running up behind another within the first 500m.

Impressive and a little intimidating on the trail where the AWMTB all in their club colours, from the Juniors to the Masters.

Great job by the marshals, all with their fluorescent vests, even spotting your number at the top of the course, as well as you pasted the start/finish line, calling out your number, name and the odd word of encouragement.

Nice views from the top of the course helped appreciate how far you had actually climbed.

I know all of these are only little things, but when you have traveled nearly four hours for a race, its great to participate in such a well run event.

An U16 event. AWMTB made the effort, to run an U16 race, and awarded every rider with a prize and a turn on the podium.

That is another small thing AWMTB have, a podium for the winners to accept their accolade from.

The onsite catering appeared to be well patronized, selling sausages, hamburgers, muffins and cans of drink at reasonable prices.

This one I really appreciated, immediately after a category had finished, their results where printed out and posted on a notice board for all to see. Was a little novel knowing what one placed, when your not 1st, 2nd or 3rd, before leaving for the day.

There results are posted online on the AWMTB website, http://www.alburywodongamtb.org.au/

It was little bit odd getting use to the passing etiquette in NSW, which appeared to be pass on the left, where as in VIC it is normally pass on the right.

There were a few people around taking photos, but none have surfaced as yet.

The AWTMB came across as a strong, well supported club, who are highly capable of planning, organizing and running a Victoria State Series race. Possibly one of the best all rounded VSS races so far.

Also need to remember that with ‘fruit fly’, you can’t take any fruit back from NSW to Victoria, so only take what you are going to eat.

If you're ever staying in Albury and looking for some where to eat, check out Dean Street, Albury and Mate Street, Lavington. Mate Street has so many Chinese take-away shops it’s almost a China Town. Dean Street has quite a variety of food venues.


AB