Singletrack Mind Series

The Chocolate Wrapper - 2012 SRAM Singletrack Mind Series Round 1 Event Report

Dear Singletrackers

They must call it O-town because the singletrack is orgasmic! Orange really turned it on for the opening round of the SRAM Singletrack Mind Series. We've been checking out the developments in Orange for a few years now and we're really happy to have included Orange in the Series and it seems you guys were too! We've had loads of positive feedback about the weekend and the trails, so thanks again to CWORBC and the great people of Orange. There's plenty of other good riding out that way too, so plan a weekend there soon.

On another positive note STM 1 also marked the return to racing of Garry Millburn. Garry was struck by a car while riding in France last year and received very serious, life threatening injuries. When we saw Garry at Mt Stromlo in February he told us he had the first Singletrack Mind race targeted as his first race back, as he was still in plaster and looking pretty fragile we thought he was being a little ambitious ... but we’re happy to say he proved us wrong, not only making it to the start line but churning out sub 26 minute laps … without a doubt, Garry is back. Thanks for inspiring us Gaz and we look forward to seeing you at future rounds!

Congratulations to all the category winners and place getters for their incredible efforts, and who walked away with over $12,000 in cash and prizes from our fantastic sponsors SRAM, Avid, RockShox, Truvativ, Serfas, Giant, Cycology, Hammer Nutrition, Jimmy Jack wine, Aussie Butt Cream, Kenda, Mountain Biking Australia magazine and Muc-Off! Congratulations also to Jasen Raymond who walked away with a $1500 voucher from Giant, and to Matt Smith who was very excited to win the SRAM RISE wheelset worth $620.

We’d like to take this opportunity to apologise to team Hot Designs - Nightlightning in the Masters Threes, who missed their chance on the podium at Presentation due to an incorrect timing report. They came a well-deserved third in the category and while we will send out your prizes, unfortunately we’re not clever enough to Photoshop you into the podium pic … we’re sincerely sorry, and have no doubt you’ll get your chance for glory at a future round of the Series (they are a Serial Offender so this is very likely, watch out Masters Three teams!).

A massive thanks goes out to our awesome event sponsors who were there on the day: SRAM and Darryl Grant Cycles provided awesome tech support. The Body Mechanic, Blair Martin, looked after your aches and pains and bike setup questions, and the crew from Jimmy Jack offered tastings of their fine wines. Zerofive Custom Sportswear, who designed our awesome Series and Choccy Foot jerseys had loads of their great designs on display, Muc-Off helped quieten squeaky chains in the dusty conditions, and Mountain Biking Australia magazine as always had loads of issues of their awesome publications up for grabs.

Results, Photos & Reports

Preliminary results, including Female & Male 20 fastest laps (new for 2012!), are up on the website. Please take a look and let us know if anything is incorrect!

Event photographer and lensman extraordinaire Dave Bateman took some fantastic shots – check them out in the Gallery.

We’ve also posted several event reports and check out the official media release on Enduro Pulse. There’s also a summary of comments received from competitors, supporters, and sponsors – we really appreciate receiving your feedback, and in turn thank you all for the great vibe at the event!

Thank You

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who assisted in the successful running of the event:

• Central West Off Road Bicycle Club – Rod, Kate, Scott, Grant and the  rest of the CWORBC crew who devoted so much time to making the day a success
• Course Marshals – thanks to all our fantastic CWORBC volunteer marshals who were looking out for you on the track
• Steve Martin and his assistants who timed the event
• Riders – As always, we’ve received great feedback on the fun vibe and politeness of other riders, we’re totally stoked that you guys are doing your best to obeyRule # 33!
• Orange BMX Club – for the great catering on Sunday
• Steve from Rave Coffee – for keeping us all caffeinated
• Dave Bateman – our Series photographer who always delivers outstanding images.
• Kelly Mapleston who took on Fi’s role for the weekend and regular crew member Josh Nicholson, who were tireless in ensuring the day went off without a hitch … it’s impossible to put into words just how grateful we are, as without these guys the Series might not have been possible this year. Thank you.
• Volunteers – We couldn't have done this without our wonderful volunteers! You’re all awesome!

Lost and Found

If you lost some gear at the race we might just have it here. We’ve got a few bits and pieces including a pump and tracksuit top/jacket type thing.

Putting our best foot forward …

After such a good start, it's almost a pity we have to put the series on ice for 6 weeks but the great news is that we have the Rock Wallaby Half Marathon event coming up on 27 May at Appin. It's 25 or 50km of rockin' fun, so get your entry in now!

That's it for our event wrap the "Chocolate Wrapper"! We can't wait to catch up with you all soon at Appin or on the legendary singletrack of Kowen.

Cheers

Joe & Fi