The Twin Peaks Downhill event conducted on Sunday 23 September 2007 provided a great opportunity for members to gain much needed practice prior to the forthcoming National Series round 2. DRCC was well represented by Hayden Lester, Ben Power and Brandon Yrttiaho who all featured in podium finishes – well done guys!! The event was conducted under ideal conditions given the courses were easily accessed as a result of recent fires. An overnight shower on Saturday night provided the necessary moisture to keep dust to a minimum and the track’s firm for the major part of the day. All competitors practised and raced Track 1 (fast and open) during the morning session and then Track 2 (rocky and technical) in the afternoon session. Final results for the competition were achieved by adding the times of both tracks. DRCC featured as follows:

• Senior Hardtail – Hayden Lester (1st place)
• Junior Men – Under 17 years – Brandon Yrttiaho (1st place) & Ben Power (3rd place).

Further Downhill events will be conducted at Twin Peaks on 7 October & 11 November 2007. See the Two Wheel Promotions web site for futher details including nomination forms. Photos from yesterday will be posted shortly.  HP

Two Wheel Promotions are conducting a Downhill event at Twin Peaks Canungra on Sunday 23 September 2007. Entries are limited to 120 riders and nomination with pre-payment ($70) will only be accepted. Go to the Two Wheel Promotions website, click on Twin Peaks and download the PDF nomination form and fax to Libby on (07) 5543 5144. Normal conditions apply such as approved full face helmet and body armour is recommended. Registration commences at 7.30am with shuttles departing from 8.00am. This is a good opportunity to get the cobwebs out of the bike as we have not had a downhill event since the State Champs in August. Those intending to compete are asked to let Hayden know through Ashgrove Cycles. Onya bike and into the bush!!!!   HP.

Just a quick note to let members know that I have created a photo album for future Downhill & Mountain X events. I have a bit of work to do in editing some of the photo’s from the Sunshine Series and State Championships for 2007 however; these will be posted as soon as possible.

Your link to gain access to photo’s is: www.flickr.com/photos/harveyp/

If you have problems getting access, send a comment to this post and I will attempt to remedy the problem. Please bear with me as I am an amatuer at this game!!!  

onya bike and into the bush!  HP

2007 has seen increased membership and activity in the Downhill & Mountain X disciplines. The Sunshine Series saw competition at Upper Brookfield (rounds 1 & 5), Toowoomba (round 2), Kenilworth (round 3) and Illinbah (round 4). DRCC was well represented in many divisions and had good success overall as follows:

• Under 15 Men: Brandon Yrttiaho – 1st outright, Ben Power - 2nd outright, Aaron Shillington – 4th outright, Jon Messer – 9th outright.
• Under 17 Men: Hayden Bristow – 7th outright.
• Veteran Men: Nic Jacquet – 8th outright and Pat Egan 9th outright
• Masters Men: Jeff Shillington – 4th outright
• Hardtail Men: Joey Lester – 1st outright and ’Haydo’ Lester – 5th outright

Attention then moved to the MTBA Qld Downhill Championships which were held at Kinchant Dam, Mackay over the weekend 18-19 August and DRCC was again very well represented in both body and voice. The Club had a total of 10 riders and 4 support crew attend the meet which was conducted under ideal conditions and extremely well hosted by Mackay Cyclopaths Club. Podium finishes were gained by the following:

• Under 15 Men: Brandon Yrttiaho – 1st, Ben Power – 2nd and Aaron Shillington – 3rd.
• Masters Men:  Jeff Shillington – 3rd.
• Hardtail Men:  ‘Haydo’ Lester – 2nd.

Congratulations to all who competed at the State Championships including none other than the Club President, Gavin (not as quick as in years gone bye but still managed to complete the course without mishap!). The Club atmosphere was fantastic with our own tent and Club banners featuring in prominent positions at the finish line and in Pit Row.  

Two Wheel Promotions have announced that they will be conducting Downhill competition at Twin Peaks Canungra during September, October and November 2007, so keep an eye on their web site for more details and entry nomination. This will be good training for the forthcoming National Series and National Titles. Additionally, Gold Coast Mountain Bike Club are conducting Club Days at Illinbah 13-14 October 2007 for both Mountain X and Downhill. I understand that Mountain X will be conducted on Saturday afternoon and Downhill on Sunday however; members should confirm this when they nominate with Gus McInally (0407) 753327 and I would suggest those members interested contact Gus sooner rather than later as numbers will be limited. This is a dress rehearsal for the 2nd round of the National Series to be held at Illinbah 23-25 November 2007.

Haydo, Sam and Ben (Power) competed in the GCMTB Club Mountain X day at Illinbah on Sunday 2nd September 2007 and had a great day. We showcased the Club tent with banners along Pit Row at the finish line. All riders accounted for themself in good fashion with Haydo getting to the final round, Ben and Sam to the elimination rounds but not before ’eat’n dirt’ at some stage of the day! All agreed that the track is awesome which requires concentration and technical appreciation rather than ‘full on attack’. A big thank you to the Gold Coast Club for their hospitality and friendship.

Well, thats it for the moment and I apologise for this report being so long winded however; I have just stepped into the role of ‘roving reporter’ for the Downhill & Mountain X disciplines and had a great deal to report on for 2007. Remember that our Club will only be as strong as the membership that supports it! To this end, come along and enjoy the mateship and good times we are having and if you know of anyone looking for a Club to join, introduce them to DRCC – they will not be disappointed.

See you in the bush onya bike!   HP