South Australia’s growing reputation as a focal point of Australian cycling will continue this weekend with the 2012 Kona Dirty Weekend NiteFLUX 24Hr, 12Hr and Roof Rack City 6Hr mountain bike endurance challenge, which gets underway at Cudlee Creek on Saturday.
And with $18,000 worth of prizes up for grabs for the top spots in several race categories – including sole male and female, duo teams and teams of four – the race attracts top mountain bikers from across the country, and from Europe.
The race takes place at Mt Crawford Forest in Cudlee Creek. High atop the Adelaide Hills, the site features a 10km mountain bike track, built by the gurus of the South Australian Mountain Biking Association and the International Mountain Biking Association of Australia.
Former 24Hr Solo MTB National Champion and Kona rider, Andrew Bell is coming over from Victoria to race. “I enjoy racing this track. It’s the most diverse track in Australia,” said Bell.
Other riders of note are Torq Australia riders Robbie Hucker, Jack Haig, Billy Sewell and South Australian Sarah Holmes – competing in the Mixed Team of Four category while German-born Kona Rider Anne Antrecht, 2011 Kona Dirty Weekend 12Hr Solo Female winner, will be back to defend her title.
While some riders are serious and motivated by the challenge of competing for victory, others simply go to have a fun, or ride for a bigger cause, such as the Riders against Poverty who will be raising money for Opportunity International Australia to help fight poverty in developing countries.
The Forestry SA Event Village will host DJs, hot food, a lounge area, strong coffee and masseurs who keep everyone going through the night, for the full 24 hours. Out on the track, the Forest Disco and Trail Fairies keep the 24Hr competition alive, making the Kona Dirty Weekend a truly unique racing experience.
Bike SA CEO Christian Haag said, “It’s not just a competitive event. Riders bring their families for support while they ride the endure challenge. It’s very amiable and good-natured, everyone’s out to have a fun weekend in a spectacular setting.”