Mountain Devils Orienteering Club

One version of the facts (Thanks to Chris Bayliss)

As always, the Southern Highlands turned on a perfect day for the first super-series event of the year. It was wonderful to see such a large entry and so many new faces. The only trouble is, with my advancing years I have trouble remembering the old faces – so apologies to all and sundry – I didn't mean to be rude.

After my recent “one-and-a-half somersault with pike” off the front of my bike I was a bit hesitant about entering this one. But I was glad I did. The long, fast sections more than compensated for my time spent tip-toeing through the odd technical section. And the recent rain left the usually soft sandy areas in a much more manageable condition.

Perhaps the course was a bit too straightforward for some of the better riders but I was grateful for this after my recent crash and the rigours of last year's championships. And I am sure many of the newcomers would have enjoyed the relatively easy standard.

I enjoyed the idea of starting in groups of four and I think it's a really good idea to hand out maps after the start. The first three controls were a bit of a procession but after that, route choice became a bit more important. I certainly didn't find the optimum way to number four. Control six was fairly congested as I got there at the same time many of the medium course people did for their first control. I opted to climb back up the hill rather than continue along the rough trail. This seemed to be the popular decision but I don't know which way was the better.

At control eight, I ran into Helen and Shane. They spurred me on for a while but I lost sight of them after control twelve. I was then by myself most of the way to the last control. Leaving that, I met Rob, my eternal nemesis on the way in to the control. And the rotten so-and-so came flying past me in the finishing straight.

Still, it was a great day and finished off with a most enjoyable barbecue.

CB

Another version from a single speeder (SS) (Thanks to Marcel van Schie)

First race of the season and it was great to see all the regular's again and exciting to see some new faces too for a huge turnout.

The pre race friendly sledges and digs were flying and everyone was keen for a good, competitive run!

Fast, flat and not fiddly - pretty much describes the events.

No mud, nice damp sand and dust free made for perfect riding conditions.

Open and navigationally simple courses were enjoyable and should keep everyone motivated for the upcoming enduro and tour courses.

From a single speeders perspective it was so pleasant it was painfull!

Without a big gear - so as to survive the gulleys - the flats were spinning torture. Without a maze of tracks and checkpoints, the advantage of slower bike speed and less complicated riding were lost.

The geared boys just hunkered down and pressed on while us SS riders spun away like kids racing downhill on their bmx!

One of the fast geared lads, Jiri, diced it out with me for most of the early bits until the trails really opened up after CP6. Jiri even had the bravado to ride beside me and give me a push on one of the flats!

The clear winner on the day - David (Larry) Simphendorfer spared some time with a little bit of soft pedaling and a kind remark as I struggled down a mild descent - "looks like you are taking it easy, you're only pedaling half the time" a panted laugh from me and he disappeared very quickly..

Oh well, us SS purists (fools?) will have our revenge at Lidsdale - hilly and tricky is what suits us best!

As for the enduro, I might dust off that bike with all the cogs at the back and bouncy bits front and back and use it on the day.

Marcel

PS: Was really good to see Rik making a big effort to come to the event, giving out kind meaning but tough words to those who deserved it! Cheers Rik.