The JetBlack/WSMTB 12 hour at Dargle Farm was one of the favourite races on my 2011 calendar. The race is held on private property and that means that there aren’t many opportunities to race this otherwise untapped circuit. There is a sensible ratio of smooth singletrack to fire road – probably about 50/50. Some say this leads itself to being a roadies course, but 12 hours of technical singletrack such as Appin or Ourimbah would start to take its toll on all but the best of us.
Jason English will be using the 12hr as part of his preparation for Canada. Photo: Rocky Trail
The highlight from last year’s event was the atmosphere at the event centre. The banging beats boomed across the valley kept the vibe exciting, and the bonfire was the place to hang out while your mate is out chalking up another lap. But the best part of the 12 hour format is that the last four hours is under lights. That means riders get a taste of night racing, without the logistical struggles and battery charges of a 24 hour, and without the sleep deprivation.
The final descent into the finish demands concentration, then a grin. Photo: Rocky Trail.
Last year, I teamed up with a few mates and went into the race hoping to punch out some good laps. What eventuated was a fierce battle with Bernard Beer Riders that still has me motivated to train hard for future events. We ended up taking the crown of first place in men’s fours and overall. This year we enter into the mixed category with myself, Subaru-MarathonMTB.com teammate Kath Bicknell, and Sydney guns Gary Harwood and Warren Burgess. It will be the first time we have come together to race which is exciting in itself. But the aim, above all else, is to enjoy everything the trails and the event dish out. The countdown timer is go!
Head to the Rocky Trail website for more info. There is no on the day entry, so if you’re keen to come along this Saturday but haven’t registered yet, get a move on. Entries close on Wednesday.