With record breaking rains lashing Southern NSW this past week, both participants and organisers have been on tenterhooks regarding the running of this classic five-day mountain bike stage race, set to start at the top of the chairlift in Thredbo at 8:30am tomorrow morning. It was with good reason that all riders today received an embroidered Mountains To Beach towel in their registration packs!
Event Director Huw Kingston gives an insight into the week that was and the week to come:
“Like everyone else in the Snowy Mountains we’ve watched with awe the power of the water after some 400mm fell upon Thredbo this past week. Some of our tracks were a metre or more underwater last Thursday and again after last night’s deluge. Fortunately the forecast for race week is fine and the sun has popped out for the first time in days. Riders are taking advantage of the sun to loosen their riding legs. Whilst the going will be soft in places, we’ve been working closely with the various land managers and local groups along the 380km route to plan for the event to go ahead,” Huw said.
He also added: “For a number of reasons we had scheduled the 2012 event to a week later than usual. That decision seems more than vindicated as it would have been impossible to run The Mountains To Beach this past week. We have added snorkels to the required equipment list and are only disappointed that Justin Flood, who rode the event in 2011, is not back again this year!”
All being well, Stage 1, the Limar Mountain Run hosted by Thredbo, will ride off at 8-30am tomorrow morning. This first stage is a 12km time trial that will pick a devious route from the slopes of top station of the Kosciuszko Express chair to the valley bottom, picking up some exciting singletrack and a finish in the middle of town. First off will be the Big Rig tandem carrying partially sighted Newcastle rider John Domandl with pilot Rob Watson. Perhaps a good thing John can’t see what is coming! Then, like lemmings, the others will follow including Elite riders Dylan Cooper, Andy Fellows (2011 winner), Jason English, Shaun Lewis, Ed Macdonald, Garry James and Jason McAvoy. Perhaps it will be the tallest of this lot who is most successful at first – long legs will aid in crossing swollen creeks!
After cruising down to the luxurious Lake Crackenback Resort, Monday afternoon will see The Maxxis Muster; 31km and 2 laps of the awesome resort trails and adjoining Kosciuszko National Park trails.
For full event details visit www.wildhorizons.com.au