Fifteen enthusiastic individuals braved some challenging conditions during the mountain bike ride near the Gunnedah-based Sunnyside Road last Saturday morning, as part of Weeks of Speed.
The two-hour ride was a new addition to the Weeks of Speed program, while the trek involved a 7.3km loop.
Riders tested their skills on pallet drops, ramps, rock gardens, loose cobbly sections, and wet sandy zones.
One or two laps was enough for a few riders while others did three, with one rider saying it was the hardest thing he had ever done.
Laurie Vignes completed five laps on an e-bike while Troy Whittaker rode four laps on a pedal mountain bike.
Laurie and Troy also completed the fastest lap times, of between 24 and 25 minutes.
Conditions were foggy at first before fine and sunny weather appeared, with event organiser Garry Turner saying it was “a fantastic day for a ride”.
Garry said the previous day’s rain allowed the track to “pack down well” as there was no dust or loose corners.
Garry said the challenging part of the ride involved a few rocky downhill sections which required skill and ability from the riders.
“(The event was) filled with fun, challenges and great sportsmanship,” he said.
Garry said the participants had ridden socially, casually and individually, and now had the chance to ride in an event due to the addition to the Weeks of Speed program.
Garry said it was great to see everyone involved had enjoyed it, even if numbers could have been a little bigger had the event not clashed with a ride at Kempsey where numerous Tamworth-based riders competed.
Garry thanked sponsors Whitehaven Coal and Turner Cycles and Outdoors, and the Weeks of Speed committee for making the inaugural mountain biking event possible.
Leigh Wilson gives his all during the mountain bike ride.
Eamon Martin enjoys his time at last Saturday’s mountain bike ride.
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