In the busy calendar of off road racing, it takes a lot for a race to stand out from the crowd. In Australia, we have a few big Marathon MTB races that are achieving ‘classic’ status, like the Kona Odyssey, Wombat 100, Convict 100, Flight Centre Epic and Highland Fling. Also, the Capital Punishment, Three Ring Circus, Kowalski Classic and others are all on the up. These races all focus on mass participation, covering courses with fire trail and single track. They can be raced fast for the win, raced to achieve a PB or just ridden and survived. Some hate all the fire trail, some dislike the ‘race’ attitude, some struggle on the single track – and many dislike the climbing that mountain biking seems to involve.
The Dirty Gran Fondo sets out instead to cater more openly to those who want to participate. You can race it or ride it. You can use a cyclocross bike, a 26″ wheeled mountain bike, a 29″ wheeled mountain bike, or a ‘Mongrel’ (presumably this is where 650b riders were classified). There is no single track, just three distance options of dirt roads and hills in Mt Disappointment State Forest. Put a bunch of racers together on fast terrain and they will race. Put a bunch of enthusiastic riders together with quality feed zones and they have a good time. It all makes sense.
What was overwhelmingly noticeable was how accessible this event was for new riders who might want to do a timed event, and maybe race in the future. It was very fitting to the ‘Gran Fondo’ name it was given. There were ruts, and some water bars, and some mud. But everything was achievable for a rider new to riding off a sealed surface. Elite racers couldn’t grumble as the event never promised to be a haven of trails. What was on offer was a well run event with a friendly vibe where everyone seemed to know each other. There was a lot of support out on course with four well stocked feed zones, that had cake, nutella sandwiches, your bottles (if you chose to drop some off before the start) and even espresso coffee thanks to the Fitzroy Revolution. Subaru-MarathonMTB.com Racer Roeland Suys was even seen to have his shoes off and feet near a campfire at one feed station, due to the cold start. He’s killing the reputation of Belgian cyclists.
Roeland manages to sneak another layer on before the start…
The start was cold, and jackets were dumped at the side of the start chute when it was 30 seconds to go. A bunch of shivering cyclists taking off on a mix of mountain bikes and cyclocross bikes is pretty erratic, especially on gravel. But kudos to all, as everyone stayed upright. Onto the dirt road and gaps started to appear as the bunch thinned and stretched out. A cross rider was over in the mud. Later on one flatted. More and more I was happy with my choice to be on my Bianchi Methanol 29 – although the choice of super high tyre pressure approaching the high numbers run by Justin Maddog Morris was questionable. I was bouncing off everything!
The race really split on the first long descent, which showed who was comfortable on their cross bike drifting at speed, and who wasn’t comfortable on their 29er with stupidly high tyre pressure and a locked out fork. And the climb that followed certainly helped form the groups of those who were in for the win, and those like myself who were making up the numbers.
Riding with team mate Roeland Suys and a couple of others, we bridged across to a group in front soon after the first feed zone. Then the pace went up and it was eventually just three of us. For those into the wheel debate, I was with the two leading racers in the 26″ category. And I was sitting on. Legs make a difference!
The sun was breaking through the clouds and there was warmth in the sun. Riding a bike fast along the dirt roads seemed like the right thing to be doing on this particular Sunday morning. The course took in a fair amount of climbing, and this was growing more noticeable, especially as Duncan preferred to maintain the same pace from the flats on the climbs. He was putting some hurt on.
I was distanced on the main descent after the last feed zone, but Duncan had broken his chain and on the climb I passed the other rider, Jack, fairly blown, on the climb at 10km to go. Well that was surprising. I pushed on, and enjoyed catching the 60km distance riders ahead. It’s a bit perverse, but catching riders late in a race is a great mental boost – even when they’re not actually in the same race as you.
On the main dirt road I drilled it. Possibly too much, as I missed a turn somewhere on the right. Hitting tarmac I was a little surprised, but there were two riders chasing – so it must be right. Of course, there were no markings at other junctions saying to stay straight… but those guys were still behind. Keep at it! Once I was in Wandong it was clear this was truly wrong, and I rolled into the carpark to lodge a DNF. A little disappointed, but just at myself for missing a marker.
Paul van der Ploeg won (on his 29er Giant) ahead of Steve Cusworth (also on a 29er). Very few people crossed the line looking upset or dejected. Except the guy on a ‘cross bike who had seven flats. He appeared distraught, emotional, and due a hug from the St Johns Ambulance crew.
Although the race was neither technical or overly long – I loved it. I think the Dirty Gran Fondo concept has a great place in Australian racing, especially if it helps more people get into riding fast off road.
Full results will be one the Big Hill Events website soon.
What is a Geiggerig anyway?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTpuZu_cc9k&list=UUNM3tDp7p9KXEmingNM90jA&index=8