It was a weekend of fun and firsts with Joe's first downhill, Matt's first place in the wheely competition, other matt's first air on his singlespeed (see photo), Amelia's first MTB race weekend and Duncan's first place (out of us lot anyhows) in the downhill.
Katie also got first place in the Banana bread bake off (sorry Amelia - it was a close second!)and the worst sunburn competition!
The race was a slightly different format from most and much more laid back. Much beer was consumed and many a marshmallow was toasted by the fire. The Trials and Downhill were first up with Duncan posting a fast time closely followed by Matt and other members of our group. Duncan and Matt managed to clean all the trials as well meaning that they had no penalties for the final XC race the next day. Joe had one penalty for being a bit slow on the downhill with the other Matt one more. Penalties meant 1 minute delays at the start of the xc race the next day.
More beer and some huge BBQ portions and we were ready for the next days racing. lol were we heck!
Duncan flew off, briefly holding the lead for a couple of laps before he was caught by the eventual winner.
Joe did a comedy start dropping his group by the first corner (and securing a full page spread in singletrack racing article as a result!). Matt lea also had a fast start and led his group up the first hill. unfortunately for Matt his fast start didn't last long and he picked up a puncture which due to tubeless tyres took over 1 lap to fix leaving him out of the running.
Matt Hunt was taking things a bit more leisurely stopping to chat to our supporters as he passed the main arena. joe was flying and eventually reeled in Duncan to take up the chase for first place. Despite much heckling and support from the "Fig rolls cheerleaders" he couldn't quite catch the chap in first and finished second by 40 seconds.
While we waited for the podiums Matt hunt won the wheely contest disappearing over the horizon as the commentator shouted "you've won! you can stop now, someone tell him..."
The trophies were presented by a local councillor who seemed very much out of place in his suit and with his cheesy "take my hand and smile for the camera" line. Joe soon put him in his place saying "take my fig rolls" and them distributed more packets to the other winners... "That's it, milk it for the sponsors" the commentator shouted. If only we were actually sponsored....
A great group of people, venue and weather made for a great weekender - looking forward to next year already!
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