300 riders lined up for our inaugural multi-hour event and, by the resounding chorus of approval at its conclusion, it was a great success. Event director Wayne Pool's pre-race briefing that this was first & foremost a recreational occasion was well-heeded, even by those out to lay down scintillating lap-times.
From beginner to elite, everyone enjoyed the course and looked well-satisfied with the day's action - or maybe that was from the wild pork & apple sauce sammies that were freely available throughout the day...
Credit has to go to the Park's committee members and other volunteers who put in a lot of extra effort to ensure the event could go ahead after the wettest Autumn on record. The preceding Sunday 14 guys turned out in steady rain to spread gravel and improve water run-off (when best to do it?). It's this commitment that continues to reinforce our message that the Park belongs to all of us and that we share a responsibility to develop & maintain it.
Co-hosts Nelson MTB Club also put in a power of work, none more than Event Director Wayne Pool. His managing of the 6 Hr Breakout perfectly matched our MTB Park vision of staging recreational events that cater for all levels and see everyone going home looking forward to the next one!
Wayne Pool sets the field away from the Martin Farm Rd start...
Tom Filmer shot out to an early lead and, in the Solo class, stayed there - clocking up 16 laps in the process.
His time over 16 laps was only beaten by the Stoke Cycles A-Chain team, all riding single-speeds.
Champion multi-sporters Sophie Hart and Trevor Voyce relished racing on the fast tracks.
The under-over bridge was a popular feature...
Nathan Gilling enjoys some air off the optional ramp exiting the Tent Village...
Supporter Delwyn ensures a slick hand-over between Motueka mates Bill Hollick & 'Grib' Buchanan...
while Nick Kirby shows how much he enjoyed the new Kaiteriteri circuit.
Young riders Jordan Scott and Marcus Jones weren't giving anything away to their older fellow-competitors...
All photos courtesy of Oliver Weber and for personal use only.
These, and other photos, can be viewed in full resolution and purchased for a koha to Park development here:
www.oliverweberphotography.com/client-login/
Client login kaiteri
Race results can be viewed here:
www.nelsonmountainbikeclub.org.nz/6_hour_2011-results
