2008 Oceania Championships

March 13 2008, Nelson NZ

Congratulations to Row Fry gaining Bronze in the XCO and a Silver in the XCC!

Not a bad recovery after a lengthy and nasty bout of Flu!

Wish Row well as she heads off to Europe to compete in the World Cups over the next 2 months.

She'll be hanging out in the Orbea tent with that Absolon bloke.

Benny Mather also smashed it up for 7th place in the mens XCO even though he was smashed up with a broken scapula.

Nice work those two!

Wildside 2008
Wildside is over for another year, and what a ride it was!

Plenty of LMBC members were there and they dominated!

Row Fry - 1st place Open Women and five stage wins!

Jules Blake - 2nd place Open Women and two stage wins!

Benny Mather - 2nd place Open Mens and two stage wins!

Phil Dent - 2nd place Super Masters and two stage wins!

Well done to all.

 

22/7/2007

LMBC Club XC Championships

  

Where: Ben Lomond Gravel Pit

When: Sunday, 19 August 2007

Catergories: Open (Men/Women), Veterans (Men/Women), Masters (Men/Women), U19 (Men/Women), U17 (Men/Women), U15(Men/Women), if numbers allow...

Time: Rego from 9.00am

Start time: 11.00 am sharp…so please be early!

Course: Same course as the State Championships last year

Cost: $10 plus MTBA licence ($90 Senior/$70 Junior for 1 year, $15 day licence)

Spot prizes given out on the day with LMBC championship medallions handed out on Presentation night (to be arranged). All club members are encouraged to come along for a great day out, a BBQ will be on the go after the event. Remember the event is about having a bit of fun, so come along and have blast on the wicked singletrack … All Mountain Bikers are welcome to attend, see you there!

How do you get there?

Follow the orange LMBC Signs!! Head to Ben Lomond Village, then follow the LMBC signs to the gravel pit. Allow about 45 minutes from Launceston CBD.

08/6/2007

Poker Run Enduro

There will be a two hour enduro at Ravenswood Hill on Sunday 17th June starting at 2pm. (not at Lilydale as previously advertised). Solo riders or teams of two will complete as many laps as possible in the two hours, collecting a playing card after each lap. Once riders have collected 5 cards they can exchange 1 card after each additional lap. The best hand after 2 hours wins.

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29/4/2007

Night racing hits Ravenswood Hill

The first round of the nights series went off with out many glitches, except that we ran out of 2-stroke oil for the generator... We survived and the 20 odd people who turned out had a blast on the new, 3.6km Ravenswood track layout..  Fastest time to date...Phil crothers with a 12.50 lap...

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1/4/2007

Ben Lomond King & Queen of the Mountain

Launceston Mountain Bike Club (LMBC) held its second annual Ben Lomond King and Queen of the Mountain race on Sunday.  The challenging 1400m climb attracted almost 70 keen riders from around the State.

The race started at the Blessington Community Hall and finished at the picturesque Ben Lomond Creek Inn.  Competitors faced 24km of  gravel and fire roads, including rocky creek  crossings,  and the lung busting, leg burning Jacob's Ladder.

Riders were well rewarded by the stunning views as they enjoyed a BBQ and drinks.  Ben Mather won the Men's in record time of  1:15:04.   Hobart rider Ben Grieve-Johnson finished 3:52 behind, with Master's rider John Gregory in 3rd place.

In the women race last year's winner Rowena Fry defended her title, winning in a time of 1:38:37 slashing a massive 20 minutes off last years record. Fellow Launceston rider Julie Blake finished second 3:49 behind with Annette Fleming finishing third.

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14/3/2007

Tassie 12 Hour Wrap-up

The annual Mountain Designs  Tassie 12 Hour once again descended upon Four Springs Reserve in the State's North. After nervously checking the weather forecasts (following the less than dry 6 Hour in September) Mother Nature smiled upon us and the day dawned bright and sunny. A collective sign of relief could be heard across the Apple Isle. This was replaced by panting and sweating as the humid day progressed.

Nearly 200 riders signed on for the half-day event run by the Launceston Mountain bike Club (LMBC). The field included well known Australian enduro specialist Andy Bell. The soloist made the trip over from the ‘North Island’ using the event as preparation for his assault on the 24 Hour National Solo Title in April (good luck with that – you nutter).

Participants received the fateful start command at 10am and enthusiastically sprinted around the start loop before settling into the race. A late start was made by the much hyped up “Chopper” team as they made pre-race repairs on their prized steeds.

Once the dust had settled, everyone settled down into their pace (some considerably faster than others)! 16 Solo riders pedalled their way around the 11.5km loop in what was to be a long (and sore) day in the saddle.

Ben Grieve-Johnson led the mob around for the first lap, with Soloist Andy Bell showing everyone a preview of what was to come, rolling his way around in second place. Bell continued his freak show by consistenltly clocking 34-36 minute lap times throughout the day. In a phenomenal effort Bell finished 4th overall as well as taking out the Tassie Solo Title by over 5 laps from Andrew “The Rat” Cathcart.

Jody Bush asserted her dominance in the Women’s Solo race beating Pip Morse by 3 laps. In addition to her $200 Winners prize, Bush also rode away on the much coveted “Last Rider Across the Line” prize of Ray Appleby supplied chopper bike. (I’m sure she felt like riding it after 12hrs in the saddle!)

The Men’s Fastest Lap was taken out by the consistent Benny Mather who had a distinct advantage in having designed the event course. In an astonishing effort, Praties team member Nathan Earle, powered his way on singlespeed to a time just 20 seconds off Mather’s hotlap (must be all the potato jackets he eats)! Fastest night lap went to Stewie Keep and he further showed off his talents by doing a great post-race Nathan Buckley impersonation! Well done Bucks!

Row Fry tried to give the boys a run for their money and in the process produced the fastest female day and night laps.

Overall line honours was a closely tussled affair with the lead changing several times thoughout the day. With just over an hour remaining the Timing Guru’s led by less than 3 minutes from Team Sram. Both teams opted to send their last rider out on a double lap with Ben Grieve-Johnson (Sram) taking on Johnny Gregory (Timing Guru’s). Young versus (just a little bit) old. Johhny G showed he’s still got what it takes putting a further 2 minutes into Team Sram and providing the Timing Guru’s with a the Overall Winner Title. Team Sram had to settle for the consolation prize of taking out the Teams of 3/4 Male category and suffer in the knowledge they were beaten by a team that included a girl!! (Sorry, the author got a bit carried away).

Male Pairs was won by Greg Dwyer and Duncan McGlashen (Too Rooted to Ride Solo) and the Female Pairs by Kate Clarke and Katrina “Wife of Rat” Cathcart (KC2). Fred Mate consisting of James Cubbins, Felix Clarke and Regan Ranthony comfortably took out the Juniors Category. Jules and Steve Blake took the Mixed Pairs category by a single lap from veteran duo Leaha and Phil Dent. “Luke and the Lads” easily took the win in the Mixed 5/6 Category as there was no other teams in the category.

A big thanks goes out to all those who help make the Tassie 12 Hour such a fun and successful event. Mountain Designs were fantastic in their support as I’m sure many people with their new MD’s socks, shirts or hydration packs would agree. Thanks Sherrin Hire keeping things running and to Geards Cycles (cheers Dougie) and Ray Applebys Launceston (chopper man Jim) for their support.

Well done to all the LMBC crew who pitched in, from the one-armed timing machine (Ian) to all the behind the scenes people, thanks. And thanks to all the competitors who came along and participated and supported the Tassie 12 Hour. We hope you enjoyed it and will be back again next year for an even bigger and better event. Cheers…….

 

07/12/2006

Bike battle of Ben Lomond

ORGANISERS are predicting a strong field for the Tasmanian cross-country mountain bike titles at Ben Lomond on Sunday.
Despite the likely absence of Hobart Olympian Sid Taberlay, the event will feature some strong riders with Launceston's Ben Mather seeking to claim the men's crown from adventure sport specialist Kris Clauson, of Hobart.
In the women's section, Launceston's Rowena Fry and Julie Blake should provide some stiff competition for Hobart duo Imogen Pearce and reigning champion Eleanor Patterson.
The veteran men's is also expected to be hotly contested with Hobart's Dion Shaw among the favourites alongside Launceston riders Paul Hunt, Adrian Cooper and Andrew Cathcart.
But Mather, president of Launceston Mountain Bike Club, stressed that participation was as important as competition on the newly built, predominantly single- track 7.8km figure-of-eight course.
"The event is not just about the elite riders, it's about most people just coming along, having fun and challenging themselves," he said.
"It should be a good turnout. We hope to get 60-70 taking part."
Mather, Fry and Taberlay will all be back on their bikes next weekend for the third round of the national series in Thredbo.

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26/10/2006

The dirt crits provided a different format of racing than the standard xc style. It gave the power riders a chance to flex their muscles. With only three round down there has been over 45 different riders compete. Click here for Results

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13/10/2006

The LMBC Summer Twilight Series kicked off last night and if the attendance and enthusiasm of the riders is anything to go by then it is going to be a bumper season for racing. 25 riders lined up in their respective categories, with this number surely to grow as the word spreads. Next Thursday will see the racing move to Ravenswood Hill (next to Coca Cola).

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25/09/2006

Four Springs Race Report

Send a race report in from your perspective and we'll publish it on the website.

Race Reports

Are we there yet? - Nathan Meyers

Photos

Images by Quddus James

Images by Paul Hunt

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07/09/2006

Twilight Racing

LMBC will again this summer be conducting twilight racing throughout daylight savings. The format will be very similar to last summer but we have the added venue of Ravenswood Hill. Juniors, C and D grade will start at 6pm and race for approx 25min. A and B grade will start at 6:30pm and race for approx. 30min.
Racing will be every Thursday night at alternating venues. A 10 week series will run before Christmas and if it is successful a 10 week series will run after the New Year. Points will be kept for each grade with your best 8 races to count. Prizes will be awarded at the end of each series.
The cost will be $5 per race or $40 for the full 10 races.
Juniors race for FREE.

Day Licence or MTBA Membership required.
For the series to run successfully we need everyone to try and commit to helping run 1 race. This doesn't mean you have to miss out on riding. If you are a C/D grade rider you can run a A/B grade race and vise versa. There will always be a senior member there to help out so don't be scared to put your name forward. Have a look at the race schedule below and email: lmbcinfo@gmail.com to book a race that you can help at.

October 12th - Race 1 - Youngtown Regional Park.
October 19th - Race 2 - Ravenswood Hill.
October 26th - Race 3 - Heritage Forest.
November 2nd - Race 4 - Ravenswood Hill.
November 9th - Race 5 - Youngtown Regional Park.
November 16th - Race 6 - Ravenswood Hill.
November 23rd - Race 7 - Heritage Forest.
November 30th - Race 8 - Ravenswood Hill.
December 7th - Race 9 - Youngtown Regional Park
December 14th - Race 10 - Ravenswood Hill.

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07/08/2006

Four Springs

6 Hour MTB Challenge

The Launceston Mountain Bike Club will be conducting its second annual 6 Hour MTB Challenge at Tasmania's home of endro racing, Four Springs. Last year, not even weeks of torrential rain could scare off 143 riders from joining in on the mud bath. This year all going to plan (a lot less mud) and the introduction of new and improved trails we are hoping to crack the 200 entries mark. Four Springs offers trails that are able to be enjoyed by the every day Joe Blow, school groups and even the whippet. So do yourself a favour, get a team together and come and enjoy the fun of enduro riding.

5/08/2006

Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area Draft Management Plan 2006.
This long overdue plan has now been released for public opinion. Click Here for a copy of the plan and also the maps that go along with it. I urge everybody to take the time to look at the plan, in particular the cycling/mountain bike section. If you feel that there could be more done for the mountain bike community then I encourage you to make a representation and have your voice heard.

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17/07/2006

Ravenswood Hill Track Report

The Property of Leon Savages' has been a real blessing for the club. Having held only two "Trail Love'n Sessions" there the track has really started to take shape. This will be a true XC trail with a nice hill climb, some awesome berms and single track switchbacks along with some rock features. A big thank you to everybody that has helped out so far. Shortly we should have a truck load of gravel to harden parts of the track and build up the berms. If you haven't yet had the opportunity to help out, make the time, come along and donate a couple hours to help the club. All going to plan this venue should be used for our next upcoming event. The next Trail Love'n Sessions are on Saturday 22nd and Saturday 29th July. Starting at 1pm and working til 4ish. Park next to Coca-Cola on Ravenswood Rd.

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12/07/2006

Lilydale Social Ride

Sunday morning and I open the blinds to be greeted by the sight of grey clouds and water running down my window. "Doesn't look like we will be social riding today" I think to myself. Still, better make the journey out to Lilydale just in case there are a couple of silly people who show up. On the way out the rain gets harder and we pass a car crash (everyone was ok.). " Well, I'm sure we won't be riding today" I say to Row. How wrong could I be. The main street was alive with bikes and lycra clad bodies. You've gotta be kidding me, looks like we will be riding! Twenty semi-eager faces showed up all thinking the same thing, surely they won't be riding today but i better show up just in case. Well better let the masses know what's in store for them. HILLS. The ride started with a 550m climb up to some of the best rainforest that the Launceston area has to offer. The riding group picked up an additional member when a little Scotty dog saw how much fun was being had and tagged along. What goes up must come down and the descent through the rainforest was nothing short of gnarly. Several riders got a close up view of the rainforest floor but all made it to the bottom in one piece (more or less). 4WD trail merged into a fun fire trail that descended onto the Lone Star Range trail. We were exposed to the full elements at this point with no protection from the rain and wind. Brrrrr..... At this point in time Row decided to get a flat making all in the front group hang around in the less then ideal conditions. It was pointed out that from this point one would normally get a spectacular view of the North-East Coast and Flinders. A few delirious souls, brains frozen by the weather conditions, claimed to be able to see it when squinting hard!! After riding the ridge line a rapid decent was encountered. Our dog friend yapped at our heels as we bombed down it, getting sideways but managing to stay upright. We passed the Lilydale XC start/area near the Red Roster Host Farm and made a slow ascent out of the valley. The weariness began to set in but we pushed on through overgrown firebreaks, across open paddocks and along 4WD tracks. A wrong turn meant we all rode an extra 400m but at least the track was fun on the way down!! We managed to locate the correct trail (to everyone's exhausted relief) and made our way on to Doaks Road and the final leg of the journey, rolling our way in to Lilydale. Exhausted, wet and muddy we were, but all had a satisfied grin hidden somewhere beneath the grime on our faces. The Lilydale Pub beckoned us all. Hot drinks, beer and a huge platter of food was just what the doctor ordered. We stuffed ourselves silly and all went home felling tired, satisfied and with a full belly. What more could you ask for!!!

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06/07/2006

Trail Love'n Session

Club member Leon Savage has been kind enough to allow the club to build trails on his property for club racing. This venue is within the city boundary and will be extremely valuable for twilight racing come summer and daylight savings. So give your support to the club and show up in numbers. Bring your spade, rake, hoe, wheel barrow, crow bar and even the kids (they love dirt).  Last session we had 8 keen workers and the track really started to take shape. It would be great if we could get a dozen or more helpers this time.

When: This Saturday 8th July.
Time: 1pm - 4pm.
Where: Ravenswood Rd. (Next to Coca-Cola). Ravenswood.

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27/06/2006

Hobart cycling advocate Kate Tamayo has been identified as the cyclist killed on Sunday after being struck from behind by a 63 year old male driver of a 1982 Landcruiser on Hobart's East Derwent Highway.

Kate was killed at about 2.30pm while riding north. The low winter sun would have been nearly directly in motorists eyes at that time/ direction, and this may have been a contributing factor. Although there are two lanes in each direction there is no sealed shoulder at that point on the road.

Kate was

Tim Stredwick has placed a bike painted white on the side of the road where Kate was killed as a permanent memorial.

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21/06/2006

Trail Love'n Session

Ravenswood Rd, park next to Coca-Cola. 1pm-4pm. Leon Savage has been kind enough to allow us to use his land to develop trails on for racing. Please show up and give a hand. Brings some tools (hoe, shovel, rake, etc...).

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21/06/2006

Stubbs Road XC

This Saturday let Stubbs Road (Turners Beach) rid you of that winter chill. As always the trail is evolving, improving and becoming better than ever.

This time we have sculpted a crazy new single track to exit from the dam, instead of the final pinch, that snakes its way round the summit.

For those of you who have not indulged yourselves in the Stubbs Road Experience, prepare yourselves to be spoilt rotten. The trails here are mostly single track. Quality descents, ascents, humps, bumps, berms and jumps have you yahooing the whole lap long.

Proceeding will start with a Time Trial down a silky single track to near the base of the hill. Shortly afterwards the real racing will begin.

Divisions available for all abilities so get on down.

This will be the first round of a 2 race winter series. Points accumulated from this event, and the August event at Railton will combine to deliver CBCC winter Champions.

 

Get all the low down on the web www.cbcc-mtb.com

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15/06/2006

Mont 24 Hour

There are only three spots left in the LMBC tent for Mont. If you are keen or would just like to know a little more please email Steve Blake:  Steven.Blake@gunns.com.au
This event is all about participating and having a lot of fun so get involved.

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14/06/2006

AGM

The Launceston Mountain Bike Club will conduct its yearly AGM on Wednesday 28th June at The Tamar Yacht Club starting at 6:30pm. All club members are invited. If you wish to have a say in the direction of the club please show up and give your support. Non-financial members may join on the night.

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14/06/2006

Hollybank Pines Enduro

Sundays chilly weather didn't freeze the spirits of the riders that turned up to race the flowing single trails at Hollybank Pines. As people lined up for registration the official time clock and thermometer hit minus 3 deg. Someone asked "Is there any mud" the reply being "No, it's all frozen". The racing got under way at ten, but one rider was missing. Macca who had to make a last minute call proved that you shouldn't ride while your on the phone. Flying over the handle bars and hitting the dirt he was later seen pulling a small forest and a couple of boulders out of his hand after the race. From the gun Kim Curtis went on the attack. Knowing that his nearest rival Macca would be starting late (6 min in fact) Kim had a lead to defend. Kim was never troubled, maintaining his buffer and even increasing it throughout the day finishing on 11 laps. Paul McKenzie finished second just holding out the fast finishing Andrew  Maynard both on 10 laps.  The women's race saw Row Fry and Julie Blake go head to head for the first couple of laps until a slow leak in Julies tyre forced her to stop and make the repair. Both Row and Julie finished on 9 laps with a gap of 16 minutes. For those not wishing to do the full 4 hours there was the option of teaming up to share the load. This is where the speed demons came to play. The team of John Gergory and Ben Mather lived up to their name and were "Too Quick Too Slick" for anyone else on the track. They finished with 13 laps, two laps clear of their nearest rivals Damon Griggs and Ben Grieve-Johnson. Mather scorched around the track in 17 minutes 17seconds, close to 2 minutes faster than anyone else. A couple of special mentions should also go to 14 year old Denis Wall who completed 7 laps solo and Annette Fleming who always has the biggest smile and since taking up the sport has been rapidly improving. Congratulations to everyone for braving the cold start and making it a lovely day.

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14/06/2006

Well Done Girls

Congratulations to club members Julie Blake and Row Fry who recently traveled to Melbourne to take part in an AIS testing program. The program labeled Dirt Roads to London 2012, looks at developing women in the sport of mountain biking for the 2012 Olympics. Both girls were successful in being selected and we wish them the best of luck as they progress through the ranks.

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30/05/2006

2006/2007 MTBA National Season announced

The national series for the 2006/2007 season has been finalized. Once again the season sees 4 high quality venues conducting events from October 2006 through to February 2007.

21 October - MTNX #1 - Olympic Park, Sydney.

22 October - XC #1 - Yellowmundee Regional Park, Sydney.

29 Octomer - DH #1 - Lithgow.

25-26 November - XC #2, DH #2, MTNX #2 - Hobart.

16-17 December - XC #3, DH #3, MTNX #3 - Thredbo.

7 Jaunary - MTNX #4 - Newcastle.

24-28 January - Australian MTB Championships - Canberra.

24-25 February - XC #4, DH #4 - Mt Beauty.

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28/05/2006

BiKE RiDE'ers Approve of the Dial Range

Yesterdays City of Burnie Cycle Club Adventure MTB Race attracted over forty riders to tackle the unknown. The 24km figure eight course included two major climbs, an eye watering decent and a spectacular river side trail. Launceston's Ben Mather (BiKE RiDE) rode away on the first climb and was never caught finishing in a time of 1 hour 13:45. John Gregory finished second five and a half minutes behind with Stuart Keep rounding out the placings. Making the journey from Hobart, Sam Jesney (BiKE RiDE) made the trip worth while winning the women's race in 1 hour 46:46. Jesney returning from injury didn't have everything her own way in the initial stages of the race. Launceston's Julie Blake took the honors on the first climb but as the trail turned downhill Jesneys' strength shone through. She rode away to win by three and a half minutes. Another Hobart rider Jane Guiver finished third. Launceston Mountain Bike Club members featured strongly in the other categories with Kim Curtis winning the Veteran Men's and Saul Snowise third. Darren Cook won the Masters Men's with Dave Kemp third. The next Mountainbike race will be a four hour enduro at Hollybank Pines on the 11th June.

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23/05/2006

Courses varied in big test for Mtb'ers

It was a day of contrasts at the Esk Valley Orienteering Club's Mountain Bike Orienteering event near Parramatta Creek in the North yesterday.
With five courses to choose from, the participants ranged from experienced, fully-equipped riders on the 25km course 1 to four-year-olds with training wheels chased along by a parent on the 5km course.
Recent rain provided slippery conditions and plenty of puddles on the varied tracks through the Virginstow plantation.
The event, the first of a series of four, drew riders from Hobart, Burnie and Launceston and from both mountain bike and orienteering clubs, as well as a good number of newcomers among the 30 entrants.
The Hilbert and Duffy families were newcomers and finished the 5km course in 57.20, with three other families with young children completing the course in under 90 minutes.
The 25km course 1 attracted seven experienced riders, with City of Burnie club member Danny King, with 86.49 points, taking the lead followed by Esk Valley orienteers Nigel Davies (89.57) and Paul Pacque ( 96.07).
Peter Hoban ( 100.35) from Esk Valley edged out Geoff Rainbow of Hobart (103.46) and first female Chris Brown (113.29) on the 20km course 2 with first-timer, junior Chris Horne in fourth place.
Course 3 saw two juniors contesting the first two placings, Alan Rainbow (83.25), of Hobart, and first timer Graham Tulich (96.36), of the Esk Valley club, with third place to Jodie Almond and Natalie Moltschaniwski from University (120.20).
Sussan Best was the clear winner on the 10km course 4 (46.02) from superveteran class John Brammall ( 65.10 ) and Valerie Brammall (75.53) followed by father and daughter David and Robyn Kemp, of Launceston (118.20).

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19/05/2006

Dial Range Adventure MTB Race

This event is the story of 2 climbs, an awesome river trail and a couple of crazy decents that will have you screaming for more. The Dial Range is a wilderness area that will challenge and inspire you with rugged Mountains and its general beauty. So challenge yourself and head into the great unknown!!  More.....

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14/05/2006

King Peter & Queen Rowena

Riding in the Masters Category Peter Castillo showed that age is no barrier to conquering the inaugural Ben Lomond King & Queen of the Mountain. Castillo put on a powerful leg driven display to upstage pre-race favourites Kim Curtis and Steven Brown. The three riders were locked together at the halfway point where fire trail met the gravel road for the final ascent to the ski village. From here Castillo slowly pulled away from his younger counterparts and finished in a time of 1 hour 40:30, winning by 40 seconds from Curtis with Brown a further 25 seconds back. In the women's event Row Fry won with a comfortable margin over Jane Guiver and Diana Dickenson. Fry finished in a time of 1 hour 58:01. Both Castillo and Fry now hold the race record that will set the bench mark for next years riders.